Here’s how much Braves ace Max Fried is projected to earn in new contract.
Is it possible for the Atlanta Braves to retain starting pitcher Max Fried after 2024? Right now, it’s not apparent. The three-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time All-Star will be available in free agency, so the Braves will have to make a difficult choice. There will be fierce competition for his services because he is expected to be among the best pitchers available in free agency. According to MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams and Anthony Franco, Fried is undoubtedly anticipated to be paid generously and may get a contract for between $140 million and $162 million.
“Fried established himself in the Atlanta rotation by 2019,” Adams and Franco said. “He has been a consistent top-of-the-rotation presence since then. Over the past five-plus years, the 30-year-old southpaw has a 3.09 ERA over 139 starts. Fried hasn’t been quite as effective in the postseason, but he’s one of the biggest reasons for the Braves’ recent run of success…
“The biggest concern with Fried is his recent injury history. A forearm strain cost him three months between May and August last summer. Fried spent a couple weeks on the injured list with ulnar neuritis coming out of the All-Star Break this season. He hasn’t pitched especially well since coming back, allowing a 5.26 ERA (albeit with a strong 27.7% strikeout rate) over his last 25 2/3 innings. It’s possible teams will have some trepidation about his arm health, but Fried has an argument for a deal in the Patrick Corbin ($140MM) or Carlos Rodón ($162MM) range if he finishes strong.”
Atlanta certainly will have some tough decisions to make this winter.
