For the first time since 2017, the Atlanta Braves have failed to reach the National League Division Series.
The team was swept by the San Diego Padres in this year’s Wild Card round as starting pitcher Max Fried gave up five earned runs and eight hits in just two innings of the clinching game. And now that blowup has been projected as Fried’s final start for the Braves.
“Fried is a free agent after the 2024 campaign and indications for more than a year have been that the Braves would have had to sign the lefty to an extension prior to the final season under club control if they wanted to retain him,” Cody Williams wrote for FanSided. “Replacing the southpaw will be a primary order of business for (president of baseball operations Alex) Anthopoulos in the offseason but it will be an order that they have to account for because Fried is surely heading somewhere for the next chapter of his career.”
The 30-year-old has a 3.07 career ERA across eight seasons, winning three Gold Glove Awards and two years of Cy Young Award votes in the process. For most of 2024, he was effective, logging a 3.25 ERA in 29 starts and earning his second-career All-Star appearance.
His most recent start notwithstanding, Fried is likely to earn a significant long-term contract this offseason.
“It’s possible teams will have some trepidation about his arm health, but Fried has an argument for a deal in the Patrick Corbin ($140MM) or Carlos Rodón ($162MM) range if he finishes strong,” per MLB Trade Rumors.
After he pitched all eight of his career seasons with the Braves, it might be strange to see Fried in a new jersey next year. But, given how this season has ended, moving on could be the best thing for the player as well as his former team.
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