The Atlanta Braves have some difficult decisions to make.
Atlanta hasn’t had the season it had planned for, and it will now have to make some difficult decisions over the coming months. The Braves will have enough of money to spend, and they must decide whether to give it all to pitcher Max Fried.
He will become a free agent at the end of the season, and the Braves will undoubtedly face competition for his services. It’s too early to predict where he’ll settle. Despite this, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified the San Diego Padres as a potential match.
“Fried is one of the few homegrown Braves who hasn’t signed a long-term extension, putting him on track to test the free-agent market following his second All-Star campaign in three years,” Feinsand told reporters. “The left-hander’s (3.46 ERA) through 26 starts is his highest since 2019, but Fried, a three-time Gold Glove winner, will be among the best starting pitchers available this winter. “Potential fits include the Chicago Cubs, the Padres, and the Texas Rangers.”
The two-time All-Star has spent his whole eight-year MLB career with the Braves. He has excelled, with a 3.11 lifetime ERA in 165 appearances, including 148 starts. Fried has been a key member of the Braves’ rotation for years, but money will be a consideration this winter.
San Diego has had a stunning season and isn’t afraid to spend big. The Padres will be a serious contender to sign Fried, and the Braves should keep a watch on them over the next two months once the playoffs conclude.