The Atlanta Braves may have some big shoes to fill this coming offseason when left-hander Max Fried hits the open market.
They have been unable to sign him to a long-term extension, and him testing the waters of free agency seems inevitable.
Atlanta could ultimately lose the star left-hander, but that doesn't mean they're out of options. It could even lead them to target another star pitcher to anchor their staff.
"Shane Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery in April and is not expected back on the mound until next summer," Jim Bowden wrote. "He could wait to sign until he is healthy, but it's more likely that some team gives him a two-year deal at a reduced rate and takes a chance on his rehabilitation since he's a front-of-the-rotation starter when right."
As Bowden notes, Bieber is not going to be back right away in 2025 and will likely take a while to be back to full strength. This could be a problem for the Braves, as Spencer Strider is also recovering from Tommy John surgery.
But Bieber is a former Cy Young and could certainly help the Braves in 2025. Because of his injury, he won't get a mega-deal, but he should be right in the Braves price range.
He and Strider, when healthy could form a very strong one-two punch in the Braves rotation as they look to remain a perennial postseason contender.
The 29-year-old was off to a good start this season before he aggravated his elbow again and was shut down. He went 6-6 with a 3.80 ERA in 2023.
If Fried leaves, Bieber may be the perfect fit in Atlanta as he tries to rebuild his value. The Braves would essentially be swapping one ace out for another this coming offseason.
We'll see if Atlanta pursues him.
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