Giants listed among top potential landing spots for Braves ace

The San Francisco Giants have some questions to answer this offseason. Left-hander Blake Snell, who joined the team last offseason on a two-year, $62 million deal, has opted out and returned to the free agent market.

Without Snell, the Giants are going to need to target a top-level starter if they want to contend in 2025. 

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report listed them as a potential candidate to sign left-hander Max Fried, who had a strong year with the Atlanta Braves.

"The Giants could conceivably turn to Fried as a replacement for Snell, who's on the market because he declined a $30 million player option for 2025."

Fried started 29 games for the Braves in 2024, going 11-10 and posting a 3.25 ERA in 174 1/3 innings pitched. He also struck out 166 batters and posted a 3.5 Wins Above Replacement.

The Giants do have some solid options already available in their rotation. Logan Webb profiles as their No. 1 starter while Robbie Ray and Kyle Harrison sit behind him in the rotation. They also have Jordan Hicks and Landen Roupp as options.

But they would be wise to pursue Fried. They need to spend some money and finally land a big-ticket free agent on a long-term deal. This could be their chance to do just that and put themselves in position to contend for a National League West division title.

They finished fourth in the NL West this season with an 80-82 record, missing the postseason.

Signing Fried will be no easy task, as he won't come cheap. But it's worth it for the Giants to at least make an attempt.

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