Max Fried’s future with the Atlanta Braves is a hot topic this offseason, with reports suggesting that the team’s top priority is re-signing him. Fried, who has spent eight successful years with the Braves, could be poised for a major payday, with projections indicating he could land a six-year, $136 million deal. However, some experts, like Jim Bowden of The Athletic, suggest that Fried might end up leaving the Braves for a larger offer, possibly from the Boston Red Sox, who have been active in the market this offseason.
Fried’s performance makes him a highly sought-after asset. With a career ERA of 3.07 and a 3.25 ERA last season, he has proven himself to be a consistent, high-caliber pitcher. His ability to generate ground balls (58% rate) could make him especially effective at Fenway Park. If the Red Sox are indeed willing to outbid the Braves, a deal worth $174 million could be on the table for the left-handed ace.
The Boston Red Sox have indeed been considered a strong contender to sign Max Fried, with several factors working in their favor. One key connection is Fried’s history with Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito, as the two were high school teammates. It’s likely that they’ve kept in touch, which could make the idea of playing together again an appealing proposition for Fried.
Additionally, the Red Sox are expected to be aggressive in free agency this offseason. After falling behind in the competitive American League East in recent years, they’re eager to make significant improvements. Boston has already shown its willingness to make big moves, as they reportedly have a $600-million-plus offer on the table for star outfielder Juan Soto. Given this level of spending, committing $174 million to Fried would not be out of the question for the Red Sox, especially with his track record as a consistent and effective starting pitcher.
