Braves predicted to reunite with $136 million starter to build 'dream' rotation

The Atlanta Braves were unable to make a deep postseason run in 2024. They could look to be aggressive in free agency to have better results in 2025.

While building the Braves "dream Opening Day rotation," FanSided's Zach Pressnell predicted the team would sign Max Fried back with a multi-year deal.

"The number one priority in Atlanta this winter will be getting Max Fried back in a Braves uniform for next year. Fried has been a staple of the Braves' rotation for the last eight years," wrote Pressnell. "Over those eight years, he's thrown 884.1 innings for Atlanta and posted a 4.00 ERA or higher just one time. He's a legit Cy Young candidate year in and year out while being the poster boy for consistency and reliability."

Spotrac projects Fried to sign a six-year, $136 million deal in free agency. If the Braves want to have an elite rotation, Fried should be their first priority. He has proven what he can do in Atlanta and is a fan favorite.

In 2024 he had a 3.25 ERA in 29 starts. He threw two complete games and one shutout. Fried is a two-time All-Star with the Braves and a World Series champion.

"Atlanta needs to do everything in their power to make sure he remains a Brave for the rest of his prime years," wrote Pressnell. "Many experts around baseball expect Fried to be one of the first pitchers off the board because he's not a Scott Boras client while a lot of the top arms are Boras clients."

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