Max Fried started his Major League Baseball career with the Atlanta Braves what seems like a lifetime ago. In addition to contributing to the Braves’ World Series victory, he has provided them some fantastic innings. Sadly, it looks like his time with the Braves is coming to an end.
After Atlanta was ousted from the playoffs, Fried became a free agent. His agency and himself now choose his future. Braves supporters have experienced this enough times to know that players’ desire to return is not a given.
Max has been one of the top starting pitchers in baseball, so it’s difficult to argue against his returning the next season. But the biggest obstacles he will face in his quest for a new contract will be age and injury. He might end up playing for a different team. So let’s look at some potential landing locations for Fried, which include some organizations that fans of the Braves might not like.
7 realistic landing spots for Max Fried that would haunt Braves fans
San Francisco Giants
Since Max Fried hails from Southern California, any team in the vicinity is probably going to be on his mind. Blake Snell is probably going to opt out of his contract, and San Francisco is always seeking to make a big splash with free agents. Fried would be a great fit for this group.
He would pitch in a stadium near to home that is friendly to pitchers. Buster Posey, who was just appointed President of Baseball Operations by the Giants, knows that successful teams need quality pitchers, therefore it’s safe to assume that Max Fried will be at the top of his wish list in 2025.
Los Angeles Dodgers
When free agency heats up in the upcoming months, this is the squad that nearly everyone will associate Fried with. Max hails from the Los Angeles region, and the Dodgers are known for their lavish spending. Fried will be taken into consideration since Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty will leave gaps in their rotation.
Given that his injury terminated his season too soon, Clayton Kershaw has the opportunity to return. Fried does, however, provide them a younger lefty alternative, although Max’s danger of injury may discourage them. Fans of the Braves may lose another beloved athlete to his hometown.