Max Fried, one of the Atlanta Braves steadiest arms over the past decade, is heading up north to put on those dreaded pinstripes. An eight-year, $218 million deal with the New York Yankees isn’t exactly pocket change.
While it’s a tough pill to swallow for Braves Country, Fried didn’t just leave in the dead of night. No, he took the high road with a heartfelt goodbye—and honestly, it’s the kind of send-off that shows the kind of class act the Braves are losing.
A Farewell Filled with Gratitude
On Saturday, Fried shared an emotional tribute video on Instagram. If you’ve been a Braves fan for any part of the last ten years, it probably got you right in the feels. The montage was a highlight reel of his journey—from his early days after the Braves traded for him to his World Series heroics to those memorable moments when pitchers still got to swing the bat. And there it was, the cap tip during his final start at Truist Park—a gesture that said more than words ever could.
But Fried did have words. In his message, he thanked everyone from his teammates and coaches to the travel secretaries and grounds crew. The man left no one out. His gratitude to the city of Atlanta was palpable, and his shoutout to the fans? Well, that was the cherry on top. He thanked Braves fans for embracing “this West Coast kid” and making Atlanta feel like home. That kind of genuine appreciation tells you he wasn’t just going through the motions. He meant it.
Max Fried’s message to the Braves and Braves Country:
“Braves Country”
“Lots of emotions right now but mostly I’m filled with gratitude and appreciation for all your support these last 10 years.”
“Atlanta is the organization that traded for me. It’s where I made my Major League debut. And it’s where, together, we won a World Series!”
“I want to thank all my teammates, managers, coaches, the medical, strength and clubhouse staff, ownership, front office, travel secretaries, PR team, media, family relations, chefs, grounds crew, ushers, security, and everyone else who has been a part of this journey. I am extremely grateful for everything you’ve done for me over the years!”
“To the fans, thank you for welcoming this west coast kid and making Atlanta feel like home. It’s been incredible to play for you, feel your energy, and represent the Braves. As I head into this next chapter, I’ll always look back at my time in Atlanta with so much love. It’s truly been an honor.”
“World Champs forever.”
The End of an Era for Braves Pitching
This marks the second farewell tribute from a Braves player this offseason, following Travis d’Arnaud’s goodbye after signing with the Angels. Losing one player like that is tough. Losing two? It’s starting to feel like the end of an era.
Fried’s stats alone tell you what the Braves are letting go: 168 appearances, 151 starts, a 3.07 ERA, and 863 strikeouts. Let’s not forget those three Gold Gloves and a near-Cy Young win in 2022. That’s the resume of a guy who leaves a mark.
Mark Your Calendar for Fried’s Return to Atlanta
And while it’s a bitter pill, it’s not all doom and gloom. Braves fans can still circle July 18-20 on their calendars when the Yankees roll into Truist Park. You can bet your bottom dollar the Braves will put together a tribute video worthy of Fried’s legacy. It’ll be emotional, maybe even a little surreal, watching him walk to the mound in Yankee gray. But let’s be honest: Max Fried deserves that moment of recognition.
The offseason losses are piling up, and the Braves rotation suddenly has a hole that feels pretty significant. But baseball’s a business, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. And while Fried may be a Yankee now, for a lot of folks in Atlanta, he’ll always be remembered as the guy who helped bring home that 2021 World Series trophy.
World Champs forever, indeed.
