The Braves offseason got much more interesting over the last couple of weeks. Due to developments involving Joe Jimenez, Spencer Strider, and Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta suddenly needs to bolster the rotation and bullpen, along with the outfield. However, Max Fried’s free agency will still headline Atlanta’s offseason, though.
MLBTR recently projected that Fried would garner a $156 million free agent deal over six years, and it was also revealed that four AL East clubs are interested in Fried’s services.
“The Yankees checked on the free-agent ace pitchers — Max Fried, Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell — but it remains uncertain whether they would do Soto and an ace pitcher, too,” Jon Heyman writes. “The Orioles, Red Sox and Blue Jays are all in on at least Fried. Boston is looking to upgrade its pitching and they don’t have a lefty, so Fried could make sense.”
So, as things continue to trend, it looks like he’ll leave. If not Atlanta, where would you most prefer Max Fried to sign?
The 30-year-old has been among the most consistent lefties on the planet, and any club would be much better off with him in their rotation. The Dodgers are also expected to make a run at the California native, and I think I speak for all of Braves Country that Los Angeles would be at the top of the “Do not sign here” list.
Hell, any National League club would be right there with the Dodgers, including a pair of NL East clubs in the Mets and Phillies. Both clubs in New York would be hard to watch. I think most Braves fans can agree on where they prefer Max Fried to sign, if not in Atlanta. The Orioles, Blue Jays, and Red Sox would all rank near the top.
Boston needs a starter and already has a connection via high school teammate Lucas Giolito. They need to be aggressive to keep up with the rest of the AL East. Baltimore’s interest probably depends on what Corbin Burnes does in free agency. If they’re unable to bring Burnes back, Fried would be a great backup plan. Toronto doesn’t really have a direction, in my opinion.
From where I sit, the Orioles would be an ideal landing spot for Max Fried. They’re a fun team, and they’re far enough away where the Braves won’t face him unless it’s in the World Series, but Baltimore is good enough to compete, so we can enjoy seeing Fried pitch for a contender.
What do you think? If you could choose, where would you have Max Fried land?
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