Cubs 'make sense' for Braves star pitcher in possible free agent shakeup

Patrick McAvoy

Cubs 'make sense' for Braves star pitcher in possible free agent shakeup image

The Chicago Cubs have been red-hot lately. 

Chicago has won seven of its last 10 games and currently has a 67-66 record. The Cubs currently are 5 1/2 games out of a National League Wild Card spot and could make a run at a spot if it can stay hot down the stretch.

The Cubs could be even better in 2025. Chicago likely will be busy in free agency and Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly mentioned the Cubs as a possible landing spot for Atlanta Braves star pitcher Max Fried.

"Max Fried is going to be one of the most interesting free agents this offseason because he's probably a better pitcher when healthy than Aaron Nola, who returned to the Philadelphia Phillies on a seven-year, $172 million deal after testing free agency last offseason," Kelly said. "At the same time, Fried is 50-22 with a 2.85 ERA, two All-Star Game appearances, three Gold Glove Awards, and a runner-up finish in NL Cy Young Award voting (2022) on his resume...

"Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has let most star players who look to maximize their value in free agency—Josh Donaldson, Freddie Freeman and Swanson—depart. Fried could be next if he doesn't want to take a hometown discount. Among the teams that could make sense as suitors are the (New York Yankees), (Baltimore Orioles), (Houston Astros), Cubs, (New York Mets), and (Los Angeles Dodgers)."

Fried has been one of the best pitchers in the National League over the last eight years and would be a major help if the Cubs could end up landing him.

More MLB: Cubs superstar is threat to leave team this winter, per insider

Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy Photo

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.