Sure sounds like Braves have Max Fried replacement lined up, but with a catch

Atlanta Braves free agent starting pitcher Max Fried could be on the move soon, as he’s received interest around baseball to start the winter. As much as Alex Anthopoulos and Atlanta would prefer to keep Fried, the odds aren’t in their favor as his market value increases.

The Braves have proven they have a capable starting rotation even without Fried. Chris Sale should win the NL Cy Young this week. Reynaldo Lopez was another savvy addition by Anthopoulos – and who’s to say he won’t make another? Charlie Morton remains an option, if the Braves want him at the back-end. Spencer Schwellenbach surprised us all in 2024 and might be the best young arm Atlanta has.

Spotrac lists Fried’s market value at just a shade under $23 million. At that price – and on a shorter-term deal – the Braves might be in. Heck, most contenders should be. I have a hard time believing he’ll sign for that number, however, and the closer Fried gets to a $30 million AAV, the more unlikely ot is he stays in the ATL.

For more news and rumors, check out MLB Insider Robert Murray’s work on The Baseball Insiders podcast, subscribe to The Moonshot, our weekly MLB newsletter, and join the discord to get the inside scoop during the MLB offseason.

Thankfully, the Braves have a backup plan, and it’s a good one. Rival executives believe Atlanta should be among the favorites to land White Sox ace Garrett Crochet via trade.

“Sox would rather put him in the NL,” one voter said. “Wouldn’t rule out other big-market clubs. Where Garrett wants to sign an extension is a factor and would think Atlanta is the most appealing landing spot for him long term.”

That is a valid point. No team, even one as bad as the White Sox, wants a trade coming back to haunt them. Ultimately Chris Getz would be wise to take the best offer, but a National League team would have the edge if the trade packages were even.

Braves aren’t alone in their interest in Garrett Crochet

ESPN’s poll of MLB executives picked the Braves and Mets as most likely suitors for Crochet. However, New York had a one vote edge.

Such is the catch in any chase for Crochet. The White Sox would be smart to hear the Mets out, as they have an abundance of top prospect talent, especially hitters, which Chicago needs more of in their system. The Braves would need to package together a similar amount of talent, which might mean subtracting from the MLB roster. Atlanta’s system isn’t as strong as it once was.

Crochet would be a great addition to the Braves rotation, and arguably has better stuff than Fried when healthy. The rest of baseball knows this, as well, which is why a trade won’t be easy to complete.

Related Posts

White Sox Trade Travis Jankowski To Rays

The White Sox dealt speedy outfielder Travis Jankowski to Tampa Bay. Find out more at MLB Trade Rumors.

What Red Sox’s Lucas Giolito Showed In Triple-A Rehab Start

Lucas Giolito made his final rehab start at Triple-A Worcester before he joins the Boston Red Sox next week.

REPORT: Braves insider hints at looming roster move that’ll end fans’ pointless debate

It is straight and to the pointless when it comes to a stupid Atlanta Braves rotation debate of late. It has come as a complete surprise to…

Breaking: Red Sox Trade Idea Moves All-Star to Orioles for MLB’s Top Catching Prospect

Many fans were concerned with how the Boston Red Sox looked to start the season, but the team has figured it out recently, going 14-11 and sitting…

Dansby Swanson defends Ronald Acuña Jr. amid controversy

In the middle of what’s been an incredibly tumultuous season to this point for the Braves, there was recently a controversy involving Jarred Kelenic,

Alex Cora to join Boston Red Sox manager history; ‘A lot of ups and downs’

Alex Cora will join a select group of Red Sox managers Saturday.