A recent report from a prominent MLB insider indicates that if the Atlanta Braves hope to retain All-Star this offseason, they may need to outbid two World Series contenders in free agency.
Although the Braves’ season hasn’t gone as planned, it’s commendable that they’re still in playoff contention during the final week. Despite losing star players Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider early on, Atlanta has remained competitive.
This resilience can be attributed to standout performances from players like Marcell Ozuna, Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Max Fried. However, Fried’s tenure in Atlanta might be coming to an end as the two-time All-Star is set to become a free agent.
Following Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, Fried is one of the top starting pitchers available in free agency. As a result, Atlanta will face stiff competition to keep him, a point discussed by MLB insider Jon Heyman during a Bleacher Report live stream.
- Max Fried stats (2024): 10-10 Record, 3.42 ERA, 1.195 WHIP, 157 SO, 55 BB, 165.2 IP
Jon Heyman believes Atlanta Braves could lose Max Fried to Dodgers or Orioles this winter
During the stream, Heyman disclosed two teams that could pose major competition for the 30-year-old. The first team was the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fried is a native of Santa Monica, California, and the franchise is always looking for famous free agents.
The opposing squad is a title contender from the east coast. The MLB insider believes that if the Baltimore Orioles lose Corbin Burnes in MLB free agency this winter, Fried would be a likely fallback choice for the team to maintain their current status as a contender.
The Dodgers are always eager to spend heavily in free agency, as we witnessed last winter. However, in the first offseason under billionaire new owner David Rubenstein, the Orioles might become a force to reckon with. Atlanta may struggle to outbid both this winter.
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