The Atlanta Braves were quite the disappointing team in 2024, albeit largely due to injuries to Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. The Braves have the opportunity to reload their roster by re-signing a few key free agents this winter while also targeting outside players in free agency. It’s a very important offseason for Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves. But MLB insider Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has already projected the Braves to be outside of the top three landing spots for starting pitcher Max Fried.

When writing about Fried, Feinsand named three potential fits, but none of them were Atlanta. Instead, he named the Cubs, Padres, and Rangers. “Fried is one of the few homegrown Braves who never signed a long-term extension, which will send him to the free-agent market following his second All-Star campaign in three years,” Feinsand wrote. “The left-hander’s 3.25 ERA in 29 starts was actually his highest since 2019, but Fried — a three-time NL Gold Glove winner — is one of the top starting pitchers available this winter.” While the Padres, Rangers and Cubs are all possible fits with the money to acquire Fried, there are a few teams that might make a bit more sense.

The Braves should be considered one of the top teams to sign Fried. The southpaw hasn’t voiced any disdain for the franchise and the Braves value him tremendously. If push comes to shove, expect them to dish out the money to bring him back. Another fit could be the Boston Red Sox. Fried played high school baseball with Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito and Boston needs to add an ace this winter.