One of the most intriguing pitchers of the 2024 season is Atlanta Braves standout pitcher Max Fried. With a stellar 3.03 ERA, a career record of 62-26 (.705), and a strikeout to innings pitched ratio of about 1:1, Fried has demonstrated extraordinary skill on the field. He has quietly established himself as one of the National League’s best pitchers under 30. His record and statistics entering his first significant free agency years in 2025 are making him a favorite to win the 2023 NL Cy Young Award alongside Blake Snell.
Fried has always given outstanding performances in previous seasons. In spite of his injury struggles in 2023, Fried turned in an excellent 8-1 record with a 2.55 ERA. His capacity to overcome hardship is
With his career of 8.4 K/9 and 177 innings this season, 160 strikeouts over/under target would be expected. Take the over; this is Fried’s one shot to score a big contract and get serious money.
In 2025, Fried Won’t Be a Brave
The Braves are not prone to overpaying players whose best years are behind them. That will be the case if Fried has the year he is reasonably expected to and the Braves win the NL. They will let Fried walk at the end of this season. It’s the best thing for Fried and the Braves organization; Fried will get a huge deal, while the Braves got the best from a 30-year-old pitcher.
Fried’s West Coast roots have led to speculation that he could return home. Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, and the San Diego Padres could potentially be in the running to sign Fried, should he decide to leave the Braves. But you can’t count out the Texas teams or the Diamondbacks as possible destinations. This speculation adds an exciting dynamic to the upcoming season, as Fried’s performances could attract attention from these teams.
There’s no doubt about it: if Fried has a season akin to Blake Snell’s, he will be the most sought-after free agent available, and the Braves only need to look at his projected $30 million salary for the upcoming year.
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