The Atlanta Braves face a significant challenge this offseason: re-signing their star pitcher, Max Fried. While bringing Fried back is undoubtedly their top priority, the task might be tougher than it seems, as several MLB teams, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets, are reportedly interested in the left-handed ace. To retain Fried, the Braves will need to make a competitive financial offer.
According to Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, the Braves might not succeed in keeping Fried. Instead, Kelly suggests that the Baltimore Orioles could be the most suitable destination for Fried this offseason. “The Orioles might not ultimately spend enough to retain Corbin Burnes, but they still need a top-tier pitcher to bolster their rotation as they aim for a World Series during the Gunnar Henderson-Adley Rutschman era,” Kelly wrote. “Signing Max Fried to a six-year, $168 million deal could provide Baltimore with the ace they need, complementing a rotation that already includes Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin. Such a move would also signal that the Orioles have moved past the budget-conscious practices of the Angelos Era.”
This potential move is surprising to some. If the Orioles are willing to invest $168 million over six years for Fried, they might also be capable of offering $210 million over seven years to retain Corbin Burnes, for whom they traded multiple top prospects. However, if Baltimore doesn’t re-sign Burnes due to cost concerns, it’s unlikely they would pursue Fried with such a substantial deal. Critics argue that if the Orioles are unwilling to commit over $150 million for Burnes, their chances of landing Fried seem slim.
