Oct 9, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried (54) pitches during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game two of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Braves rotation behind rising superstar Spencer Strider, Fried has his best a year . He is healthy and powerfully built, which gives him unprecedented running support. There’s no reason to believe Fried won’t win 20 games.Fangraphs ZIPs predict he’ll start 32 games. With his career average of .705, it is reasonable to expect 20 wins this season. His most wins are 17 in 2019, so if he can stay healthy, 2024 will be his career high. The Braves don’t tend to overpay players whose prime years are behind them.
That is if Fried has the year he reasonably expects and the Braves win the NL. They will let Fried walk at the end of this season. It’s the best for Fried and the Braves; Fried will get a huge contract, while the Braves got the best out of the 30-year-old pitcher.Fried’s West Coast roots have led to speculation that he could return home. Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres could potentially make offers for Fried if he decides to leave the Braves.
As his free agency approaches, Fried will maintain that 2.50 mark in 2024.Fried’s performance in previous seasons has been consistently exceptional. Despite an injury-plagued 2023 season, Fried compiled an amazing 8-1 record with a 2.55 ERA. His ability to bounce back from adversity is a testament to his tenacity and determination, which will likely serve him well this coming season..
