The Atlanta Braves face a critical offseason after falling short of expectations in 2024. Despite entering the season with high hopes, the team encountered a series of setbacks, including underperforming players and a slew of injuries. This winter offers the Braves a crucial opportunity to rebuild their roster to the level anticipated for 2024. However, many analysts predict the team could take a step back instead of moving forward.
David Schoenfield of ESPN recently forecasted that Max Fried, one of the Braves’ top free agents, will leave Atlanta this offseason. Schoenfield suggests Fried will sign a six-year, $175 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, where he would reunite with his high school teammate, Lucas Giolito. Schoenfield explained that while the Red Sox could seek a top-tier starter, Fried’s ground-ball inducing style makes him a strong fit for Fenway Park. With the Red Sox’s pitching staff lacking a left-handed starter, Fried stands out as an ideal option, especially after Tanner Houck was the only regular with an ERA under 4.00 in 2024.
Fried has long been a target for Boston, who are prioritizing left-handed pitching this offseason. With Fried and Chicago White Sox’s Garrett Crochet as the top remaining options, Schoenfield believes Fried is the superior choice, offering more consistency without costing top prospects. For the Braves, losing Fried without acquiring a comparable ace would be disastrous, particularly given their struggles with pitching depth in 2024.
