There likely won’t be wholesale changes to the Braves roster this offseason, but the winter will be dominated by one potential change — Max Fried leaving in free agency.
Twice in the past three offseasons, the fan base has watched faces of the franchise walk in free agency. Dansby Swanson signed with the Cubs a couple of years ago, and Freddie Freeman inked a deal with the Braves rivals in the Dodgers.
What makes Fried’s potential departure frightening is that many of the teams vying for his services are likely to be competing with the Braves in the playoffs for several years to come. Every club that needs to upgrade its rotation and has deep pockets will be in the market for Max Fried. Unfortunately, three teams that fit that billing are hated by Atlanta’s fans.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Maybe more than any other team, the Dodgers are going to be connected to Fried because he’s from the area. Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty will be testing free agency, and Clayton Kershaw could potentially retire, leaving a massive hole in the rotation. Of course, Shohei Ohtani could fill the void, but nobody spends money like Los Angeles. They’re a significant threat in the Max Fried sweepstakes. Even though they’re not NL East rivals, Braves Country loathes the Dodgers.
New York Mets
Did someone say deep pockets? Literally, no club in baseball can compete with Steve Cohen if he decides that he wants a free agent. The Mets will spend to compete, and after a deep playoff run, they’ll be eager to upgrade the roster, the rotation being a focal point. Luis Severino, Jose Quintana, and Sean Manaea could all part ways with New York this offseason. The Mets have to add to their rotation this offseason, and there are few better candidates available than Max Fried.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are the Braves’ stiffest competition right now in the division, winners of the NL East in 2024. They’ll be looking to upgrade all three phases of their team, but starting pitching might be last on their to-do list. Their entire rotation from 2025 will return, but relievers Carlos Estevez, Jeff Hoffman, and Spencer Turnbull will likely test the free agent waters.
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There are a lot of older Braves fans that still despise the Yankees, and watching the Cardinals sign Max Fried would be like swallowing vinegar. On the flip side, if the Braves have to say goodbye to Fried, a club like the Padres or Orioles would be kind of fun to watch, in my opinion. Regardless, this offseason will be a rollercoaster ride of emotions for Braves fans tuning into the Max Fried sweepstakes.
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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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