The Braves season ended in a disappointing way after a 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres in the wild-card series. For Braves fans, the defeat was not only because of the team’s early exit but also because it might mark the end of Max Fried in Atlanta. Fried, the Braves’ ace and a free agent this offseason, has been a key figure in the team’s rotation. His emotional reaction following the game hinted at the uncertainty of his future with the club.
I’ve never seen Braves pitcher Max Fried this emotional.. just sat at his locker.. taking it all in before and after visiting with the media.
I asked what it means to wear the Braves uniform….“To me….It means everything” pic.twitter.com/m9zJXyHykI
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) October 3, 2024
When asked what it meant to wear the Braves uniform, Fried didn’t hold back his gratitude. “To me … it means everything,” he shared. The Braves were the team that gave Fried his shot at the big leagues, and his bond with the organization runs deep. He fondly reflected on his experience with the team, saying, “I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it and hope there are many more.”
If Wednesday’s game turns out to be Fried’s final start for Atlanta, it wasn’t the farewell anyone would have hoped for. In a tough outing, Fried struggled, allowing eight hits and five earned runs in just two innings. The poor performance was worsened by a first-inning line drive from Fernando Tatis Jr. that hit Fried in the hip. Braves manager Brian Snitker later revealed that the injury played a part in Fried’s early exit, further complicating the team’s hopes of advancing.
Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a line drive off Max Fried’s back 😳
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 3, 2024
It’s a tough one for Fried and Braves fans alike, especially considering how much Fried has contributed over the years. He pitched an absolute gem the game before against the Kansas City Royals. He went eight innings and helping secure Atlanta’s spot in the postseason. That outing seemed to be a reminder of the pitcher’s brilliance, making his struggles in the wild-card game all the more bitter.
As the offseason approaches, the big question is whether Fried will return to Atlanta. At 31 years old and coming off a season where he posted an 11-10 record with a 3.25 ERA and 128 strikeouts, Fried is still very much in his prime. He’s made it clear he’d love to stay with the Braves, but his performance in 2024 will likely attract plenty of suitors.
For Braves fans, watching one of their most beloved pitchers potentially leave is a painful prospect, especially with the lasting memory of an injury-shortened final game. Whether or not Fried dons the Braves uniform again next season, his contributions to the team won’t soon be forgotten.
