The Atlanta Braves have a clear top priority this offseason: re-signing starting pitcher Max Fried.
However, accomplishing that goal may prove more challenging than it seems. Fried has drawn interest from several teams across the league, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. If the Braves hope to keep him, they’ll need to invest heavily.
According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, Fried’s return to Atlanta is unlikely. In fact, Kelly recently identified the Baltimore Orioles as the best fit for the left-handed ace this offseason.
“The Orioles might not ultimately spend quite enough to retain (Corbin) Burnes, but they still need a top-of-the-rotation arm as they aim for a World Series during the Gunnar Henderson-Adley Rutschman Era,” Kelly wrote. “Max Fried would provide the Orioles with an ace, strengthening a rotation that already features Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin. The six-year, $168 million deal we’ve projected is less than what it would take to sign Burnes, but it’s still a significant commitment that Baltimore could frame as a departure from the frugality of the Angelos Era.”
This potential move would be surprising. If the Orioles are willing to offer Fried $168 million over six years, one could argue they’d be just as willing to offer $210 million over seven years to retain Corbin Burnes.
Baltimore gave up multiple top prospects to acquire Burnes. If they fail to re-sign him, it will likely be due to reluctance to spend over $150 million. Under those circumstances, it’s hard to see them pursuing Fried as an alternative.
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