The Atlanta Braves’ rotation has been led by Max Fried in recent years. Fried was instrumental in Atlanta winning the World Series in 2021.
Max Fried to be traded this offseason?
MLB News: In MLB free agency, Carlos Rodon is being pursued by an unknown team
MLB.com’s Jim Callis speculated on Tuesday that the Braves could opt to trade Fried after acquiring catcher Sean Murphy from the Oakland Athletics the day before. In Atlanta, it appears that the reasoning is all about money.
“With the Braves’ payroll climbing, climbing — who knows if they will sign Murphy to an extension — I’m hearing some Max Fried rumors on the block. They may not be able to sign him long-term. Don’t be shocked if we see a Max Fried trade this offseason.”
Below, we look at three ideal destinations for Fried, as well as possible return packages to Atlanta.
- The New York Yankees win an epic game against the Atlanta Braves
The Yankees are looking to bring in Carlos Rodon to complement Gerrit Cole. However, after re-signing Aaron Judge to a record-breaking contract, front office head Brian Cashman and company may be looking in a different direction.
That is, they could use some of their surplus farm talent to bring in a controllable pitcher without exhausting their financial options. In this scenario, New York gives up the farm to acquire Fried, an ace with a 52-20 record, 3.06 ERA, and 1.14 WHIP over the last four seasons.
Yankees get: Max Fried
Braves get: Domingo Germán, Luis Gil, Anthony Volpe, Jasson Domínguez
This trade gives Atlanta one of the Yankees’ most highly touted prospects since Derek Jeter. It also provides the team with a long-term replacement for shortstop Dansby Swanson, as well as two arms in German and Gil to help round out the rotation. The presence of Domnguez and his MLB-caliber bat in the outfield would be a huge plus for the Braves.
- The Los Angeles Angels give up the farm for an ace pitcher
The Angels are in a desperate situation after an 89-loss season and their first playoff appearance since 2014. The addition of Tyler Anderson does not significantly alter the dynamic heading into 2023. Why not see if they can make Atlanta a total blockbuster?
Angels get: Max Fried
Braves get: Ky Bush, Chase Silseth, Patrick Sandoval, Zach Neto
This scenario would provide Atlanta with a player in Sandoval who can compete in the rotation alongside Kyle Wright, Charlie Morton, and Spencer Strider.
The team then acquires three of Los Angeles’ top seven prospects, including two pitchers (Bush and Silseth) who could be traded for another MLB-caliber starter under team control.
- Max Fried is a pleasant surprise for the San Francisco Giants
The Giants still have room to add a big bat. Among others, they have been linked to Carlos Correa. The plan here is to pair Fried with another ace, Logan Webb, to form a dominant duo for the Bay.
Related: Carlos Correa’s MLB free agency narrowed down to two teams
Giants get: Max Fried
Braves get: Kyle Harrison, Luis Matos, Marco Luciano, Randy Rodriguez
The Atlanta Braves acquire San Francisco’s top three prospects in this scenario. Luciano is MLB-ready and could take over at shortstop for Dansby Swanson right away.
Last season, Harrison struck out 186 batters in 113 innings (25 starts) in the minor leagues. He and Rodriguez could be traded for another controllable long-term rotation option.
Matos, meanwhile, is only 20 years old and has shown a lot of power from the outfield spot in the minors.
