The Chicago Cubs wrapped up the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. As the front office looks ahead to the offseason, could longtime Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried be a target to strengthen the team’s starting rotation?
In an October 21 article for The Athletic, Patrick Mooney highlighted the Cubs’ winter priorities, noting that acquiring another starter for 2025 is a “clear move.” He referenced Jameson Taillon and Shōta Imanaga as recent free-agent signings that Chicago could seek to replicate. What makes these two players such successful additions for the Cubs?
Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy shared insights with Mooney at the end of the regular season, emphasizing the standout quality of both pitchers: their pitchability. “Both throw a lot of strikes and limit walks,” he explained. “They’ve shown the ability to handle a lineup, throw multiple pitches for strikes, and excel in all the key areas you want from a starter. Plus, they share similar personalities and are natural leaders.”
Mooney further noted that Fried qualifies as “a consistent, high-level performer.” After eight seasons in Atlanta, he will enter free agency this winter. Spotrac estimates his market value at six years and $136 million.
Max Fried Will Be Much Cheaper Than Corbin Burnes
The top starting pitcher in free agency this winter is Corbin Burnes, the ace of the Baltimore Orioles. Significant contract predictions have been made for the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner.
In August, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer forecasted that the Scott Boras client would land an eight-year, $288 million deal. More recently, Joel Reuter projected on October 18 that Burnes might sign for seven years and $255.5 million.
The Cubs could benefit from a frontline starter like Burnes, and there’s a level of familiarity for him in Chicago. He spent his first six MLB seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central and played under Craig Counsell, who is now the Cubs’ manager.
However, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer may be hesitant to invest such a hefty sum in a starting pitcher. This could lead the organization to explore more affordable yet effective alternatives.
How Max Fried Could Fit Into the Cubs’ Rotation Mix
Given his production and projected price, Fried would be a strong fit for the Cubs’ goals this winter. The left-hander is a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, according to Baseball-Reference. He has recorded a 3.07 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP, along with 863 strikeouts over 884.1 career innings. These stats would be a valuable addition to the Cubs’ rotation alongside their current starters.
FanGraphs’ Roster Resource lists Shōta Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Justin Steele as Chicago’s top three pitchers, with Javier Assad and Ben Brown also in the mix as veteran Kyle Hendricks enters free agency.
Bringing in another elite starter would provide manager Craig Counsell with a formidable top four when all are healthy and pitching regularly. This depth would be particularly advantageous in October, especially given the challenges teams have faced in securing consistent starting performances this postseason.
While acquiring an ace like Burnes would be ideal, the associated costs might deter many teams. Fried is viewed as a more affordable option, yet he boasts a solid track record and postseason experience, having won the 2021 World Series with Atlanta.
