Braves top star may have just delivered his final performance at Truist Park, and if so, he certainly made it memorable. The veteran left-hander showcased one of the best outings of his career, throwing 8.2 innings of scoreless baseball on fewer than 100 pitches. This victory brought the Braves into a tie with the Mets and Diamondbacks in the National League Wild Card race, as Atlanta aims to extend its postseason streak to seven consecutive years.
If the Braves can reach the playoffs and win a road Wild Card series, he could have another opportunity to start at Truist Park. However, for that to happen, several factors need to align, and he will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Most analysts anticipate that Fried will depart in free agency, following in the footsteps of Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson. The Braves have a history of not paying top dollar, even for key franchise players, which is why teams with financial resources should be eager to pursue Fried. He has proven to be remarkably consistent year after year and consistently rises to the occasion, often thriving under pressure.
Throughout his eight-year career in Atlanta, Fried has achieved nearly everything possible. He has led the team to a World Series title, made multiple All-Star appearances, and finished in the top five for the NL Cy Young award several times. Fried has developed into arguably the best left-handed starting pitcher in the game, and regardless of what happens after this season, he will be remembered as a legend in Braves Country.
Following last night’s game, Fried visibly expressed his emotions as he reflected on his future.
It seems like a mutual decision for both Max Fried and the Braves to part ways. Fried is seeking a lucrative contract that he likely won’t receive from the Braves, who are in a strong position with their rotation. With Spencer Strider poised to return next season and Spencer Schwellenbach emerging as a promising talent, the Braves have options to fill the gap. While both parties can thrive independently, there are still important matters to address as they move forward.
The Braves are hitting their stride just in time, with Max Fried playing a crucial role in their success. What could be a fitting conclusion to his tenure with the team than lifting the Commissioner’s Trophy for the second time in four years?
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