Max Fried signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, formally leaving in free agency as anticipated. The Braves were never going to match the biggest contract ever given to a left-handed starting pitcher.
That’s another indication of the winter market. As a result of their increased willingness to take chances, particularly with pitchers, teams are spending more money on free agents than ever before.
Is it going to backfire? Probably, for many clubs, but if the Braves are going to fix their rotation this summer, they may have to take a gamble that they haven’t been willing to do in the past.
Top Remaining Free Agent Starting Pitchers
Compared to the other starting pitchers who are still free agents, Roki Sasaki’s circumstances are very different. He is the next Japanese sensation who is expected to travel abroad and compete in the major leagues. In addition to his potential, he is incredibly intriguing because everyone will be vying for his services. Although most people think the Dodgers will prevail, other considerations might end up influencing him differently because teams can only offer him money from the international bonus pool.
Are you trying to find someone to replace Max Fried? What about Jack Flaherty, his former teammate from high school?
After being dealt to the Dodgers before the deadline, Flaherty had a successful comeback season that started with the Tigers and ended with a trophy. Although he won’t want an eight-year contract, he will undoubtedly earn a hefty three- or four-year deal given his 3.17 ERA across 28 st
With the Mets, Manaea had what was likely his best season yet, pitching 32 starts with a 3.47 ERA and leading New York to the NLCS. Though those arms have been quite costly this offseason, he’s not a bad mid-rotation option.
This offseason, Buehler has also been connected to the Braves, and it seems like the kind of move Alex Anthopoulos seeks out every year. Despite having a difficult season recovering from injuries, he was outstanding in the postseason, even helping the Dodgers win Game 5 of the World Series. His market is going to be quite fascinating. He might be offered a two- or three-year contract by teams, but would he even want that? A one-year contract might be the best choice for him because it would give him time to regain his worth and get one of these big contracts the following offseason.
Nick Pivetta’s decision to turn down a qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox, which would have paid him more than $21 million the next season, may have surprised some. His agent, who might have been aware of how competitive the market would be for starting pitchers this winter, must have given him some sound advise, though. Although his surface-level figures aren’t particularly noteworthy, the content is really alluring. This summer, someone will take a chance and offer him a big multi-year deal, which might end up being one of the better deals available to free agents.