As the Atlanta Braves wrap up their season, offseason speculation is heating up.
The Braves were eliminated from the National League playoffs after losing 5-4 to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night. This loss not only marked the end of their season but could also signal the end of starting pitcher Max Fried’s tenure in Atlanta.
Fried, a homegrown All-Star, took the loss at Petco Park, allowing five earned runs in just two innings. It was a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise stellar year for the veteran pitcher.
Rumors about Fried’s future have been rampant, with his hometown Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as an early frontrunner. However, the appeal of returning home may be too strong for the eight-year veteran to resist.
Following the game, Fried expressed his fondness for his time in Atlanta and suggested he would love to return in 2025. “Wearing the Braves uniform means everything,” he stated, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. “This organization traded for me and gave me the chance to become a successful big league player. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’ve loved every moment here and hope to have many more.”
There’s a strong case for Fried to stay in Atlanta, considering his success there, which includes a World Series title, two All-Star selections, a 73-36 record, and a 3.07 ERA—an impressive foundation for his legacy.
However, securing Fried won’t come cheap. Spotrac estimates his next contract could be around $149 million, with some predictions nearing $200 million. While he may cherish playing for the Braves, he is unlikely to offer a hometown discount.
With the offseason still ahead, Fried will have plenty of considerations to weigh between now and the start of the signing period in early November. If this is indeed the end of his time in a Braves uniform, it has been quite a journey.