The MLB offseason is in full swing, and free-agent buzz is heating up around Max Fried. The ace lefty recently declined the Atlanta Braves’ qualifying offer. We don’t yet have clarity on Atlanta’s plans to retain their star pitcher, but insights from around the league are leaving a trail for us to follow. For different reasons, the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs have emerged as key talking points.
Bob Nightengale from USA Today states that the Red Sox are aggressively pursuing top-tier pitching talent. They’ve signaled a strong interest in adding a left-handed starter to their roster, with Fried and fellow ace Blake Snell reportedly topping their wish list.
Acquiring Max Fried could be the move that re-establishes their rotation as one of the most formidable in the league for Boston. With Fenway Park aiming for another postseason run, Fried’s pedigree—a 3.07 career ERA, three Gold Gloves, and multiple Cy Young considerations—fits the bill perfectly.
Meanwhile, the Cubs seem to be charting a different course. Despite operating in one of baseball’s largest markets, Chicago appears to be eyeing mid-tier players rather than marquee names. Nightengale notes that the Cubs are likely out of the Fried race along with and other top talents like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. While offseason plans can shift, there’s no significant buzz linking Fried to Wrigley Field—at least not yet.
Fried’s resume makes him one of the most coveted pitchers this winter. Over his eight-year career, all with the Braves, he’s notched 168 appearances, a WHIP of 1.16, and 863 strikeouts. In 2022, he narrowly missed a Cy Young win, finishing as the runner-up to Miami’s Sandy Alcántara. With projections for his next contract ranging from $136 million to a staggering $180 million over six years, Fried’s decision will likely hinge on a mix of financial appeal and team fit.
Boston has the appetite and the resources, while Atlanta still has a chance to retain their ace. As for the Cubs? They’ll be watching from the sidelines unless there’s a dramatic shift. But with months left in the offseason, anything is possible.
