The Atlanta Braves haven’t had to worry about the San Francisco Giants as a danger in a while. Will that alter by 2025?
Atlanta and San Francisco were once division rivals when the National League was divided only into East and West, and they’ve met in the playoffs twice this century, with the Giants winning the pennant each time. However, in the 2020s, Atlanta has been the far superior franchise.
However, the Giants have been continually attempting to make a huge signing in free agency over the last few offseasons, so if they have any chance of passing the Braves, their best option may be to poach an Atlanta superstar.
The Braves appear hesitant to pay top cash for their two-time All-Star starting pitcher, Max Fried, in free agency. San Francisco may be poised to seize the opportunity to add a new ace to its pitching staff.
Recently, Andrew Tredinnick of NorthJersey.com predicted that the Giants will sign Fried this winter, outbidding the Braves for the outstanding southpaw.
“The Braves want to keep him, but can’t offer the type of money the Giants can to pad their rotation,” Tredinnick informed reporters.
Fried, 31, has been one of Major League Baseball’s most reliable pitchers since becoming a full-time starter in 2019. He has a 73-36 career record with a 3.07 ERA, along with two All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, and a World Series ring.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield recently predicted Fried for a six-year, $175 million contract, the most lucrative pitching contract in Braves history. If San Francisco is giving that much money, Atlanta is unlikely to put up a fight.
