The Atlanta Braves did not up to expectations in 2024.
The San Diego Padres swept them in the National League Wild Card. With important players entering free agency, the squad, particularly the rotation, might look drastically different in 2025.
Newsweek’s Zach Pressnell anticipated that Max Fried would join the Boston Red Sox when projecting landing destinations for the top free-agent pitchers.
“The Boston Red Sox are desperate for a starting pitcher this winter.” Pressnell noted, “Boston will be involved in the bidding wars for all of the top arms.” “But it’s Max Fried’s high school connection with Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito that makes the difference here. Fried departs Atlanta and travels to Boston to rejoin Giolito.
Fried and Lucas Giolito attended Harvard Westlake High School in Los Angeles. Given the Red Sox’s pitching needs, the two could reconnect in the majors.
Spotrac expects Fried to get a six-year, $136 million contract in free agency. Fried has spent all eight major league seasons with the Braves. He has been named an All-Star twice, including in 2024. He posted a 3.25 ERA in 29 starts last year. In addition, he struck out 166 times this season. Fried is a World Series champion who has positioned himself for a lucrative reward.
With a need at shortstop and maybe in the outfield, the Braves may not be willing to pay the price to acquire Fried. He will be one of the most sought-after free-agent starters and a less expensive alternative than Blake Snell or Corbin Burnes.
