The Atlanta Braves may lose a superstar this winter.
Atlanta is fighting for a National League Wild Card spot but may not end up actually making the postseason. If someone had predicted that the Braves would miss the playoffs before the 2024 season, no one would have believed it.
The only reason why this may actually be a reality is the fact that injuries have piled up. Atlanta may miss the playoffs, and then it will have to decide whether or not to keep a star. Max Fried is in line to enter free agency and will be one of the biggest names out there.
Bleacher Report's Erik Beaston put together a list of the top free agents who will be available with predictions for each of their landing spots. He linked Fried to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"Still, when healthy, Fried is among the best pitchers in the game and will be one of the most sought-after players in free agency," Beaston said. "Manager Brian Snitker seems to know it, too, reminiscing as he discussed watching his talented lefty evolve over the years...(Jon Heyman) linked Fried to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where his former teammate, Jack Flaherty, has thrived for one of the best teams in the game. It is an intriguing match-up, with the one weak spot on that team being the starting pitcher and Fried likely wanting to continue his career for a contending team...
"Considering the Dodgers have a seemingly endless pile of cash from which to pay any free agent, the organization sets its sights on, the financials would not seem to be an issue. What would be if the team takes a liking to another free-agent pitcher, such as Corbin Burnes. Still, if the Dodgers are willing to pay and Fried can convince them that the injuries that plagued his 2024 season are anomalous rather than a trend, it is a match made in baseball heaven. Prediction: Fried signs with the Dodgers."
If Fried were to land with the Dodgers, that would be devastating. Atlanta is hoping to contend in 2025, but Los Angeles landing Fried would give one of the team's rivals another important piece.
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