The Atlanta Braves rarely let their hometown talents walk, but this winter could be an exception.
In recent years, the Braves have issued costly extensions to talented players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider. But there was one All-Star who Atlanta was unable to sign before he became a free agent: Max Fried.
Fried, a 30-year-old lefty with a 73-36 career record, anticipates earning a nine-figure contract this winter. The Braves do not appear to be interested in engaging in a bidding war to get him back, which may spell disaster if the list of potential suitors continues to expand.
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of many teams in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, however they finished last in 2024. They’re one of the biggest wild cards in this winter’s free agent battle because no one knows which way they’ll swing.
For the time being, however, the Blue Jays pose a significant threat to stealing Fried. Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith claimed Thursday that Toronto is interested in signing the two-time All-Star to join their starting lineup.
“They’re in on Soto, have interest in players such as Max Fried… yet president and CEO Mark Shapiro said in early October he expected payroll to be similar to what it was in 2024, most of that is already spoken for and there’s little certainty on the roster beyond next year,” Nicholson-Smith told ESPN.
Nicholson-Smith’s picture of the Blue Jays depicts them as a team in limbo, yearning to get back into contention. If they miss out on Soto, the Blue Jays might quickly shift their focus to Fried, possibly overpaying to ensure his signing.
From the Braves’ perspective, Toronto isn’t the worst spot for Fried to sign, but any new uniform will look strange on the longtime Atlanta great. And if the Braves aren’t ready to work hard to keep him, they can’t afford to be picky.
