For the seventh year in a row, the Atlanta Braves appear to be on track for the postseason.
With a record of 76-63, the Braves have a narrow lead over the New York Mets for the third and final National League Wild Card slot. But they may have some questions to answer during the offseason.
Max Fried, a left-hander, is due to approach free agency this winter, and the two sides have yet to reach an agreement on an extension. However, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report believes the Braves will be able to re-sign him.
“The 30-year-old will be the top starting pitcher on the market outside of Corbin Burnes this winter, so it might take a deal north of $100 million to get him signed,” according to Reuter. “That’s a major financial commitment for a team already has a lot of long-term money on the books, but they simply can’t afford to let him leave.”
Fried is extremely vital to the Braves, and he played a key role in the team’s return to contention in 2018 and continued danger in the National League.
While they do have a resurgent Chris Sale, whom they acquired from the Boston Red Sox, allowing Fried to walk would substantially deplete their starting rotation, especially while Spencer Strider recovers from Tommy John surgery.
The experienced ace is 8-8 in 24 starts, with a 3.52 ERA in 140 2/3 innings pitched. He has also struck out 130 batters and has a 1.21 WHIP.
Fried has also proven to be a strong postseason starter and someone the Braves can rely on in important games, so losing him to free agency would be unfortunate.
His market will be competitive, but even if the Braves have a lot of money invested in other players, he should remain on their radar.