Last season, injuries ravaged the Atlanta Braves’ roster.
Looking to get back on track in 2025, they may be missing one of the pillars of their current success.
While making contract predictions for the top remaining free agents, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted that Max Fried would depart the Braves to sign a seven-year, $175 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“Aaron Nola signed a seven-year, $172 million extension with the Philadelphia Phillies at the same age last winter, and while Nola has been more consistent and durable throughout his career, Fried is the second-best arm on the market right now and is capable of ace-caliber production,” according to Reuter. “The Blue Jays were ready to break the bank for Shohei Ohtani last winter, and they will be motivated to convince free-agent-to-be Vladimir Guerrero Jr. they are serious about contending.”
Fried has spent his whole major league career with the Braves. He is a two-time All-Star and started 29 games last season. He posted a 3.25 ERA last year and struck out 166 batters.
The Blue Jays are in the running to sign Juan Soto. If he chooses to sign elsewhere, the franchise may deploy funds to several free agents. Fried would be an excellent addition to the rotation, which currently contains Kevin Gausman and José Berrios.
“When healthy, Max Fried has been one of the best pitchers in baseball the past several seasons for the Atlanta Braves, and after dealing with some arm issues in 2023 he tallied 29 starts and 174.1 innings pitched in his contract year,” according to Reuter.
