It’s very possible Max Fried just pitched his last game at Truist Park Friday night, and if it is, it was a helluva way to go out. The veteran lefty saved perhaps the best pitching performance of his career when his club needed it most, tossing 8.2 innings of scoreless ball in under 100 pitches. The win moves the Braves into a tie with the Mets and Diamondbacks in the National League Wild Card race, as Atlanta hopes to extend their postseason streak to seven straight years.
If the Braves can make the playoffs and win a road Wild Card series, Fried might get another chance to start at Truist Park, but a lot has to happen for that to take place, and at season’s end, he’ll be a free agent.
Most expect Max Fried to leave in free agency, much like Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson before him. The Braves have shown in the past that they aren’t going to pay sticker price for anything, even faces of the franchise, and last night is exactly why every club with money should be throwing it at Max Fried. He’s as consistent as they come from year to year, and has proven time and time again that there isn’t a moment too big for him. If anything, he thrives under the pressure.
Max Fried has accomplished pretty much everything possible over his eight-year career in Atlanta. He’s led the club to a World Series, made multiple All-Star appearances, and has multiple top-five finishes in the NL Cy Young race. In Atlanta, Fried has blossomed into arguably the best left-handed starting pitcher on the planet, and whatever happens after the season, he’ll be remembered as a legend in Braves Country forever.
After last night’s game, Max Fried was clearly feeling the emotions of the moment as he discussed his future.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but this is really all I know and I love it.”
Max Fried discusses walking off the field to a standing ovation and thanks #BravesCountry for their support🫶 pic.twitter.com/ihVbUaQjhB
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2024
It almost feels like a marriage where both sides mutually agree it’s time to part ways. Max Fried wants his money, and he’s not going to get paid by the Braves like he might elsewhere. The Braves rotation is also in a pretty good spot, with Spencer Strider set to return next season and Spencer Schwellenbach emerging as a star. Both sides will be fine without the other, but there’s still work to be done.
The Braves are playing their best baseball at the right time, and Max Fried is key piece to that. What better way to end things than by lifting up the Commissioner’s Trophy for the second time in four years?
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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