Jim Bowden recently released his top 45 free agents for this year’s class, naming his best team fits for each player as well as contract projections. The Braves were named a best team fit for five of those players. Let’s break them down.
Max Fried
Bowden’s best team fits for Max Fried are the Braves, Mets, Orioles, and Red Sox. I expect all of those teams to be involved, but the Dodgers were a shocking omission. Their starting pitching has not been up to par this year. Even with Shohei Ohtani expected to return to the mound next year, it would be shocking if Los Angeles — Fried’s hometown team — was not involved in the bidding this offseason. San Diego is another team to keep an eye on in Southern California. They are never afraid to make a splash and have to feel they are on the cusp of a breakthrough after losing to the Dodgers in five games in the NLDS. I also wouldn’t count out the Philadelphia Phillies after Alex Anthopoulos made a run at Aaron Nola last winter.
Blake Snell
The Braves were mentioned alongside the Yankees, Orioles, Mets, and Giants as the best team fits for Blake Snell, who could be an interesting consolation prize for those teams not looking to hand a starting pitcher a six or seven-year contract like the one Max Fried will likely require. The Braves, in particular, are hesitant to make those kind of offers, but they aren’t afraid to take gambles on shorter contracts. Snell was pitching as well as any pitcher on the planet towards the end of the season, and it probably won’t be as expensive as Fried.
Willy Adames
Bowden’s best fits for Willy Adames are the Braves, Dodgers, and Brewers. I imagine many other teams will be involved, but if the Dodgers really want him, it’s highly unlikely they will be outbid, which is tough news for the Braves, who desperately need to upgrade at shortstop over Orlando Arcia. Adames would be a perfect fit in Atlanta.
Charlie Morton
If the Braves miss out on guys like Max Fried and Blake Snell, bringing Charlie Morton back should be in the cards if he decides to play one more year. I don’t imagine he has any intentions of playing anywhere else, which is why Bowden only included the Braves as his best team fit for the soon-to-be 41-year-old hurler.
Matthew Boyd
Boyd showed signs of turning around his career in Cleveland this season, posting a 2.72 ERA over eight starts in the regular season, and then allowing just one run over three playoff starts. He’s a high-upside arm that should be looking for a one-year deal this offseason, which is right up Alex Anthopoulos’ alley.
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Photo: Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire
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