Max Fried will be among the most sought-after pitchers available when he enters the free-agent market this winter. The Atlanta Braves ace has spent years proving himself as a dominant starter with undeniable talent, but injuries have been a recurring theme in his career.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Max Fried could command a six-year deal worth around $174 million—averaging about $29 million per season. This projection lands him among the most valuable free-agent starters. This deal is comparable to what Aaron Nola and Carlos Rodón have recently fetched.
But Fried’s path to a top-tier contract has a few hurdles. He has been consistently on the injured list, most notably with left forearm neuritis, which has flared up in each of the past two seasons. He’s also dealt with other issues, including forearm and hamstring strains and those notorious pitching blisters.
As Bowden noted, Fried’s medical reports will significantly determine whether he secures a full-market deal or something a bit more conservative. Despite these questions, Fried’s ability to post a reliable 28 to 30 starts in three of his last four seasons keeps him appealing.
The Braves are clearly interested in keeping their lefty ace. They’ve made several attempts over the years to lock him into an extension. But with free agency finally here, there’s a sense they may be running out of time. If Atlanta can’t keep him, they do have a couple of backup plans.
Their farm system holds promising options like A.J. Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep, two prospects who have already tasted MLB action. There’s also Ian Anderson, who spent 2024 in Triple-A as he worked to regain his strength and is primed for a comeback in 2025.
There are rumors the Braves are eyeing the free-agent market, too. Bowden believes Atlanta is a prime fit for the reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Even if Fried ends up signing elsewhere, adding a pitcher of Snell’s caliber could give Atlanta’s rotation a fresh look. With Snell’s impressive resume and Fried’s market value, this winter promises to be anything but dull for Braves fans.
Whether re-signing their long-time ace or adding a new Cy Young arm, the Braves are positioning for big moves to keep their rotation competitive. And while no one knows exactly how the Max Fried situation will play out, one thing is certain: the Atlanta front office won’t let this offseason pass without making waves in the pitching market.
