Braves’ Big Decision: All-Star’s Future Uncertain, Braves Predicted to…
The Atlanta Braves did not meet expectations in 2024. They could look to move on from some of their key players who are hitting free agency as they look to shake things up to get back on track for 2025.
While making predictions for the top 50 free agents, MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams, Darragh McDonald, Anthony Franco and Tim Dierkes all predicted that Max Fried would leave the Braves in free agency.
“The Braves love Fried and would love to have him back. He made his feelings toward Atlanta clear in an emotional interview after the team’s season ended. That said, the Braves have had more than six years to hammer out an extension and haven’t gotten there. Atlanta hasn’t gone past $22MM in annual salary on any of the long-term extensions they’ve doled out to their core,” wrote the staff. “Fried seems overwhelmingly likely to command a good bit more than that on a per-year basis, and because of their immense swath of extensions, the Braves are now facing a weighty luxury-tax bill. Re-signing Fried would effectively cement them as perennial luxury payors — likely requiring them to go into the upper tiers of penalization on a yearly basis. ”
Spotrac projects Fried to sign a six-year, $136 million deal in free agency. Fried has spent his eight seasons with the Braves. He is a two-time All-Star. He had a 3.25 ERA in 29 starts last season and struck out 166 on the season.
