Braves could target Giants ace in free agency to replace Max Fried.

The Atlanta Braves have remained a postseason contender despite various injuries this season, many of which have resulted in them falling out of the top spot in the National League East.

To make matters worse, they have not yet been able to reach an agreement on an extension with Max Fried, who may ultimately depart in free agency.

Fortunately, there are other options, and they could potentially replace him with a former Cy Young winner.

“Blake Snell won the NL Cy Young Award last year but didn’t land the long-term contract he wanted in free agency because of the injuries he’s had during his career and because he was never allowed to pitch deep into games,” Jim Bowden wrote in The Athletic. “He’ll get that long-term contract this offseason.”

If the Braves do lose Fried, Snell would be an ideal replacement. This time around, he should be able to receive the long-term contract he sought last offseason but was unable to get.

While Snell has an injury history, he is somebody that would give the Braves a significant boost. He has a strong postseason pedigree and can legitimately be considered an ace starter.

Signing Snell would give the Braves a chance to compete with the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, even if they lose Fried. He has bounced back quite nicely after a bad start to the season.

In his 15 starts this year, Snell is 2-3 with a 3.76 ERA over 79 innings of work. He also has punched out 106 batters and posted a 1.11 WHIP. It will certainly be interesting to see how his market develops and if the Braves ultimately decide to pursue him in the event that they lose Fried.