The Chicago Cubs finished the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. As they head into the offseason, one key question is whether Atlanta Braves ace could be a target to bolster the starting rotation.
Patrick Mooney highlighted the Cubs’ need for another starter as an “obvious move.” He referenced the successful signings of Jameson Taillon and Shōta Imanaga as models the Cubs could follow. Both pitchers have impressed with their command and consistency, as Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy explained: “They both throw a lot of strikes, limit walks, and can navigate a lineup effectively. Plus, they’re natural leaders.”
Mooney added that Fried, a free agent this winter after eight strong seasons with Atlanta, could be an ideal fit. Fried has earned a reputation as a “consistent, high-level performer,” and Spotrac estimates his market value at six years, $136 million.
Max Fried Will Be Much Cheaper Than Corbin Burnes
Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes is set to be the top starting pitcher in free agency this winter, and major contract predictions have been circulating for the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner. In August, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer projected Burnes would land an eight-year, $288 million deal, while Joel Reuter’s October 18 prediction for *Bleacher Report* came in at seven years and $255.5 million.
The Chicago Cubs could benefit from a frontline starter like Burnes, especially given his familiarity with the NL Central, having spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers under manager Craig Counsell, now the Cubs’ skipper. However, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer may be hesitant to commit such a large sum to a single pitcher. This could prompt the Cubs to explore more cost-effective but equally reliable alternatives for their rotation.
How Max Fried Could Fit Into the Cubs’ Rotation Mix
Max Fried could be a great fit for the Chicago Cubs this offseason, both in terms of production and projected cost. The left-hander, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, has posted impressive career numbers with a 3.07 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 863 strikeouts over 884.1 innings, according to Baseball-Reference. His consistent performance would be a valuable addition to the Cubs’ rotation alongside starters like Shōta Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Justin Steele.
FanGraphs’ Roster Resource currently has Javier Assad and Ben Brown slotted in the rotation as well, with veteran Kyle Hendricks entering free agency. Adding a top-tier starter like Fried would strengthen Chicago’s pitching staff, giving new manager Craig Counsell a formidable front four. This could be especially crucial for postseason success, as consistent starting pitching has proven difficult to find in the 2024 playoffs.
While signing a high-profile ace like Corbin Burnes would be ideal, his price tag may be out of reach for many teams. Fried, with a solid postseason track record—including a 2021 World Series win with Atlanta—offers a more affordable but still highly effective alternative.
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