As the Chicago Cubs head into the offseason, they find themselves in an intriguing position. With outfielder Cody Bellinger’s decision to exercise his option and return to the team for the 2025 season, the Cubs’ lineup now appears relatively stable. This choice, however, likely takes the Cubs out of the running for high-profile free agents like Pete Alonso and Juan Soto, as the lineup seems primarily set. Instead, the Cubs should address a more pressing need: strengthening their pitching staff. Among the potential targets, Atlanta Braves free-agent pitcher Max Fried is the ideal addition for a team looking to take the next step in its competitive journey.
Max Fried’s Impact on the Cubs’ Rotation
Over his eight-year career with the Braves, Max Fried has emerged as one of the most consistent left-handers in Major League Baseball. With a career 3.07 ERA, a 73-36 record, and three National League Gold Gloves, Fried has proven reliable and versatile. Last season, he demonstrated again why he’s among the league’s best, logging a 3.25 ERA and a 3.33 FIP in 29 starts. His ability to mix pitches and adapt on the mound makes him a long-term asset who could anchor the Cubs’ rotation for years.
For the Cubs, who haven’t traditionally been among the most aggressive spenders on the free agent market, Fried represents a calculated investment. While fellow free agents like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell are expected to demand even larger contracts, Fried offers a balance of skill, durability, and relative affordability. His market value, estimated at six years and around $136 million, would provide the Cubs with a dependable front-line starter without completely exhausting their budget for future acquisitions.
Addressing a Key Weakness
Pitching depth, particularly in the bullpen, was a significant issue for the Cubs during the 2024 season. While shoring up the bullpen will be essential, the rotation also requires a boost to maintain competitiveness over the long haul. A rotation fronted by Fried would feature considerable upside. With Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon rounding out the top four, the Cubs would have a formidable pitching staff. Additionally, promising arms like Javier Assad and Ben Brown could vie for the fifth rotation spot, providing further depth and flexibility.
Adding a pitcher like Fried would not only solidify the rotation but also relieve some of the pressure on the bullpen. Starters who can consistently pitch deep into games allow the bullpen to stay rested and avoid overuse. Fried’s ability to eat innings and keep the Cubs in games would help address this concern, potentially improving the entire staff’s performance.
A Long-Term Investment in Stability
While there has been some debate regarding how Corbin Burnes’ dominance might hold up over time, Max Fried’s pitching style lends itself to a more sustainable long-term performance. Fried relies on a diverse pitch mix and strong command rather than pure velocity, a combination that generally ages better than power pitching. As he enters his age-30 season, Fried’s control and pitch variety make him an intelligent investment, as he’s likely to remain effective well into his mid-30s.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently ranked Fried as one of the offseason’s top free agents, listing the Cubs as a prime destination. Signing Fried would signal to fans and the league that the Cubs are serious about contending in 2025 and beyond. His presence in the rotation would instantly elevate the team’s floor, giving the Cubs a better shot at staying in the playoff hunt.
Balancing the Cubs’ Offseason Moves
Although Fried would significantly improve the Cubs’ pitching staff, there is concern about what else the team will do to avoid an offensive slump like they endured in previous seasons. With Bellinger back in the fold, the Cubs have retained a key contributor in their lineup. However, the front office must take additional measures to ensure the offense remains consistent. Whether that involves reinforcing the bench or making strategic trades, the Cubs must address these concerns to complement the impact Fried would bring to the rotation.
Max Fried offers the Cubs a rare opportunity: a top-tier starter at a reasonable price who aligns with the organization’s current needs and financial approach. His addition would mark a significant step forward, improving the rotation and setting a competitive tone for the coming years. Fried has been a consistent performer on one of the league’s best teams, and his experience and skill set would bring much-needed stability and reliability to the Cubs.
In pursuing Fried, the Cubs can take a step toward sustained competitiveness and build a foundation around a reliable pitching staff, a crucial ingredient in any playoff contender. If the front office makes the right moves, the Cubs could begin 2025 as one of the league’s most balanced and complete teams, ready to contend for an NL Central title and beyond.
