The Atlanta Braves boast one of the best rosters in baseball.
Atlanta has dealt with a plethora of injuries this year and the 2024 season overall has somewhat been a disappointment. The Braves had high hopes for the season but injuries have given them a significantly smaller chance of winning the World Series than they likely expected.
While this is the case, Atlanta should be among the top teams in baseball once again next year and could compete for a title. One important decision that will need to be made, though is the future of All-Star starter Max Fried.
Fried is a two-time All-Star and has developed into a true ace with Atlanta. He will be a free agent at the end of the season, though. It's unclear what will happen with him, but FanSided's Michael Brakebill predicted he will re-sign with Atlanta.
"Given that Spencer Strider went down early, followed by the crucial blow of losing Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta is seeing its 2024 campaign quickly go down the tubes," Brakebill said. "The starting rotation has still been a strength, and with Strider returning next season, keeping another productive starter in Max Fried makes too much sense. You then have Strider, Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Fried, the way you wanted it to be this season. A healthy Atlanta squad gives the (Philadelphia Phillies) a run for their money for the (American League East), and they will likely try to run it back next year. Prediction: Atlanta Braves."
If the Braves can find a way to keep Fried, it would significantly improve their chances of winning the World Series next year.
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