Let’s dig into what’s been happening around the Braves’ camp and how this could affect the MLB. Max Fried and A.J. Minter are two names that have Braves fans on edge right now. Why? Because the whispers swirling around the Winter Meetings are getting louder—and they’re not exactly music to Atlanta’s ears.
Max Fried: The Ace Everyone Wants
So, let’s start with Fried. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez didn’t mince words when he said Fried could be the biggest player to move during the Winter Meetings. That’s a bold call, but Fried earned that spotlight. He’s been one of the most reliable left-handed starters in the game, and teams are hungry for that kind of firepower in their rotations.
Fried’s 2024 stats are impressive—11 wins, a 3.25 ERA, and 166 strikeouts over 174.1 innings. He’s a proven ace who can bolster any rotation he touches, and that’s the kind of golden ticket the Yankees seem ready to cash in on.
A.J. Minter: The Bullpen Weapon in High Demand
Meanwhile, over in the bullpen, we’ve got A.J. Minter, who’s been quietly—but oh-so-steadily—one of the most dependable lefty relievers out there. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi says Minter’s name is one of the hottest topics in bullpen chatter right now, and you can see why. Even after missing the final stretch of the 2024 season due to hip surgery, the guy’s numbers are solid: a career 3.28 ERA and 10.9 K/9 across eight seasons. You don’t find reliable southpaws with postseason grit every day, and contenders know that.
But here’s where it gets spicy. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicts a blockbuster move that could see both of these guys in pinstripes in 2025. Picture this: Fried landing in the Bronx on a 6-year, $150 million deal, sliding comfortably into the No. 2 slot behind Gerrit Cole. That’s a one-two punch that could knock out entire batting orders.
Let’s not forget about Minter either. Reuter’s projecting the Yankees to snag him for 2 years and $16 million. It’s not a bad price for a guy who can lock down late-inning situations and give the bullpen some much-needed stability.
What This Means for Braves Country
Let’s be real, this would be a gut punch for Braves fans. Losing not just one but two crucial lefties in one swoop? But there’s also a bit of inevitability here. Fried is one of the hottest free-agent arms on the market, and Minter’s reliability out of the pen makes him a prime target for teams needing to shore up their bullpen. The Braves would love to keep them, but the writing might already be on the wall.
And hey, if they do sign elsewhere, at least let it be an AL team like the Yankees. That way, Braves Country doesn’t have to face the nightmare scenario of watching these guys dominate against them multiple times a year.
In the end, this isn’t just a story about potential trades or signings. It’s about two players who have left their mark on Atlanta baseball and might now be on the brink of helping another team chase October glory. Whether it happens or not, the drama is only heating up, and every Braves fan will be watching with bated breath.
