Braves $136 million All-Star could cut ties with Atlanta to join Dodgers

The Atlanta Braves had World Series aspirations in 2024 but ultimately fell short. They could lose a key free agent before they try to reach the Fall Classic in 2025.

While listing top landing spots for Braves starter Max Fried, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer listed the Los Angeles Dodgers as a team Fried could sign with.

"It's been almost three years since the Dodgers signed a Southern California native who had formerly been a beloved Brave," wrote Rymer. "That was Freddie Freeman and, yeah, that has worked out. So, why not try to repeat the formula with Fried? The southpaw was born in Santa Monica and was a regular at Dodger Stadium growing up. And his idol? Sandy Koufax, naturally."

Fried is a two-time All-Star and has spent his entire big league career with the Braves. He has been a staple of the organization since he made his debut. Spotrac projects Fried to sign a six-year, $136 million deal in free agency. His biggest asset has been his ability to stay on the field. He made 29 starts in 2024, 30 in 2022 and 28 in 2021. However, he did only make 14 starts in 2023.

"Though the Dodgers arguably don't need a pitcher with No. 1 talent, what Fried offers is a pitcher with No. 1 dependability," wrote Rymer. "His injury history isn't totally clean, but he looks like an iron man in light of all the injury issues the Dodgers had with their pitchers this year."

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