How far can Fried take the Braves in 2021?
Max Fried has been a fan favorite in Atlanta for a few seasons now. Many have wondered just how high his ceiling is.
When he first came up and was used in the bullpen, the thought was would he end up as a late inning reliever or a middle of the rotation arm. Now, people are wondering if he can actually be one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.
Some may also ask if Max Fried can be a top fantasy baseball arm as well. Dynasty baseball rankings usually rank Fried around the top 50 in their dynasty rankings, which would put him in the top 12 of pitchers in fantasy baseball rankings.
Personally, I think Max Fried has the talent to be considered among the top 10 pitchers in all of baseball. However, he still needs to put it all together over the course of a full 162-game season to prove himself as a true Ace.
The talent is there. I think Max has that “It Factor” that is needed to be an elite pitcher. I know that even on days where Max does not have his best “stuff,” I still have confidence that he can give the Braves a shot to win.
Maybe Max never truly becomes an “Ace.” If he never reaches that status, he could still be a high-level number 2 starter in the rotation. A guy that the Braves can feel confident handing the ball to every 5th day.
Max Fried has the talent to be a 4+ fWAR pitcher annually. He has the talent to be a true top of the rotation arm.
While there is some regression due in 2021 because it would be hard to replicate his great 2020 season, I have confidence that Max Fried will yet again be another steady member of the Braves rotation.
Alongside Mike Soroka and Ian Anderson, the Braves have an exciting young rotation for several years. One that figures to be headlined by Max Fried.