The Atlanta Braves have remained a postseason contender despite a number of injuries this season, several of which have caused them to tumble out of first place in the National League East.
To make matters worse, they have yet to strike an agreement on an extension with Max Fried, who may eventually leave in free agency.
Fortunately, there are other choices, including the possibility of replacing him with a former Cy Young champion.
“Blake Snell won the NL Cy Young Award last year but didn’t land the long-term contract he wanted in free agency because of the injuries he’s had during his career and because he was never allowed to pitch deep into games,” according to Jim Bowden in The Athletic. “He’ll get that long-term contract this offseason.”
If the Braves do lose Fried, Snell would be an excellent replacement. This time, he should be able to secure the long-term contract he sought last summer but was unable to obtain.
Despite his injury history, Snell is someone who might offer the Braves a huge boost. He has an excellent playoff track record and could legitimately be called an elite starter.
Signing Snell would allow the Braves to compete with the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, even if Fried leaves. He has recovered fairly well following a rough start to the season.
In his 15 starts this year, Snell is 2-3 with a 3.76 ERA in 79 innings. He has also struck out 106 batters and has a 1.11 WHIP. It will be intriguing to see how his market develops and whether the Braves opt to pursue him in the case that Fried leaves.
