The San Francisco Giants might lose star pitcher Blake Snell in free agency, and if that happens, they’ll need a backup plan. One potential replacement could be Atlanta Braves’ left-handed ace.
While it’s not certain Snell will leave, the Giants could sway him to stay with a lucrative long-term deal. Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly environment could even help him win a third Cy Young Award, solidifying his case for the Hall of Fame.
However, Snell could just as easily sign a big contract with teams like the Yankees or Dodgers, as many predict. His future remains uncertain, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up elsewhere next season.
SF Giants should replace Blake Snell with Max Fried
If he leaves San Francisco, it would put the Giants’ starting rotation in a tough spot. Logan Webb would still be their ace, but the rest of the rotation would likely include Robbie Ray, Kyle Harrison, Hayden Birdsong, and Jordan Hicks.
While Webb has been reliable over the past few seasons, the rest of the rotation comes with several uncertainties. All four of those pitchers had standout performances last season, but they also struggled at times, with some dealing with injuries.
This is why it would be ideal for the Giants to bring in another top-tier starter to pair with Webb. Max Fried would be a perfect fit for that role.
Fried has been a standout pitcher with the Braves for several years. He’s a two-time All-Star, and this season he posted a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts and 174 1/3 innings, with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks. While he doesn’t strike out as many hitters as Blake Snell, Fried is known for his more consistent control.
At 31 next season, Fried could be offered a long-term deal, potentially around five years, securing another elite arm alongside Webb for the foreseeable future.
Losing Snell would be a major blow for the Giants, but signing Fried could soften that loss and provide a much stronger rotation for 2025.
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