The Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent signing of Blake Snell is already impacting the MLB free-agent market. One of the biggest effects is the Boston Red Sox setting their sights on Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried. The Red Sox, reportedly pursuing both Snell and Fried, now seem ready to up the ante to land Fried following Snell’s high-profile deal.
Veteran MLB insider Bob Nightengale confirmed the Red Sox’s renewed push late Tuesday night, adding fuel to speculation that Boston is determined to secure a top-tier arm. Interest in Fried from the Red Sox isn’t breaking news; Nightengale, alongside ESPN’s Jeff Passan and the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, has consistently linked the team to Fried in recent weeks. But with the Snell domino falling, the urgency in Boston appears to be escalating.
The situation surrounding Fried has become increasingly uncertain for the Braves. The left-hander declined Atlanta’s qualifying offer, and solid indications of a return have been scarce. While one speculative report suggested Fried could stay in Atlanta, it starkly contrasts the momentum building around his potential departure.
Fried’s resume speaks for itself: 168 appearances (151 as a starter), a career 3.07 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 863 strikeouts. The two-time All-Star has also collected three Gold Gloves and placed in Cy Young voting twice, most notably as the runner-up in 2022. As one of the most sought-after pitchers on the market, Fried’s value has only climbed as teams scramble to fill rotations.
Spotrac projects Fried’s market value at six years and $136 million, but many believe that’s a conservative estimate. With Blake Snell’s five-year, $182 million contract setting a new baseline, projections for Fried now range as high as $180 million or more. ESPN’s Buster Olney noted that the current supply-and-demand imbalance for quality starting pitchers is pushing prices up. It’s making this an offseason where free agents hold significant leverage.
The Braves commitment to staying under the luxury tax is well-documented, so this development could end their chances of retaining Fried. As Boston ramps up its efforts, it looks increasingly likely that Atlanta’s ace may soon find a new home—and the Red Sox seem eager to ensure that happens.
