Max Fried, the Atlanta Braves’ fan-favorite All-Star, is entering free agency, and his future with the team is uncertain. Projected to secure a contract worth over $100 million, with some estimates placing his deal between $150 million and $175 million, Fried is expected to be one of the most coveted players this offseason. While the Braves are set to make him their top priority, the big question remains: will he prioritize them in return?
In his recent piece, Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer ranked the top destinations for Fried, placing the Toronto Blue Jays at number one, ahead of teams like the Braves and the New York Mets. Rymer noted that Fried is reportedly on the Blue Jays’ radar, and if they were to sign him, they would significantly bolster their pitching staff. Adding Fried to a rotation that already includes Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Yusei Kikuchi, and Chris Bassitt could give Toronto one of the most formidable starting rotations in the American League.
The Blue Jays are aggressively pursuing several high-profile free agents this offseason, and while they remain in the hunt for Juan Soto, if they miss out on him, Fried could be a key addition to their pitching staff. Toronto’s strategy is to invest heavily in improving their roster, and bringing in Fried would provide a significant upgrade to their starting rotation, strengthening their push for contention in the competitive American League East.
