The Atlanta Braves boast one of the best cores in baseball.
Atlanta has had a difficult year due to injuries, but that does not diminish the fact that the team boasts one of the strongest squads in baseball when healthy. The Braves will only have this core for a few more years, so they must make the most of it.
The Braves will have a difficult decision to make this winter. Max Fried will be a free agent, and the Braves will have to decide whether they want to pay the price to keep him around. If the price becomes too expensive, there will be other candidates available who can perform the role effectively. A two-time Cy Young Award winner may potentially be available.
Blake Snell is presently pitching for the San Francisco Giants, but CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa predicts he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent.
“Contract situation: $30 million player option for 2025,” Axisa told reporters. “Snell was the second of the ‘Boras Four’ to sign, and unlike Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman, his deal had only one player option. The other two guys each had two player options. Snell won the Cy Young award last season! He nevertheless had to settle for a one-year, $32 million contract that amounted to a $30 million insurance policy in 2025. The concept of free agency is no longer the same.
“Prediction: As long as he stays healthy, Snell declines the player option and leaves the Giants to sign a multi-year contract with another team.”
Snell will undoubtedly command a high salary if he becomes available. Spotrac presently estimates his value to be $172 million over six years. That is pricey, but he is one of baseball’s top pitchers, which comes at a premium cost. Fried should be the Braves’ main goal, but if he decides to sign somewhere else, Atlanta should contact Snell.