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7 candidates for the Braves' rotation if Max Fried leaves in free agency

By Nick Halden |
Atlanta Braves v Miami Marlins - Game Two
Atlanta Braves v Miami Marlins - Game Two / Bryan Cereijo/GettyImages
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Max Fried's final regular season start for the 2024 Atlanta Braves had all the feelings of a finale. The hurler looking to the stands and showing obvious emotion suggests Fried is on his way out. Atlanta expects to get back Spencer Strider next season and has a reason to believe Chris Sale's career resurgence will continue. Add in the exciting Spencer Schwellenbach and the Braves have every reason to feel they shouldn't go all in to re-sign Max Fried.

The rotation is far from the team's weakness even without Max it is a great rotation. Outside of the obvious splashy move needed at shortstop, the Braves have decisions to make in the outfield, bullpen, and bench depth. All pointing to Max Fried following the path of Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson exiting stage left and cashing in. This leads to the obvious question from Atlanta's perspective, who could replace the lefty in the 2025 rotation?

7 candidates for the Braves' rotation if Max Fried leaves in free agency

Max Scherzer

If the Braves part ways with Charlie Morton there is another aging pitcher they could look to bring in at the bottom of the rotation. Atlanta's ability to get the most out of aging pitchers in Jesse Chavez and Charlie Morton lends room to wonder if the same could be the case with Scherzer.

The veteran has made it clear he plans to pitch in 2025 and will be hitting free agency. If the Braves aren't paying for Fried it is because they believe in the top of their rotation without him. This means you're looking for a veteran innings eater with a high upside in free agency or a surprise contributor in-house. Scherzer should be given the same deal the team gave Charlie Morton if the veteran is ready to walk away and hope the results can be similar and there is always the chance the veteran has one magical run left.

Ian Anderson

Though it feels the pitcher has been in Atlanta's system for quite some time Anderson is only twenty-six. After an amazing 2021 debut season, Anderson struggled in 2022 and was sent down. Since that time Anderson has had Tommy John surgery and is working his way back. Building confidence and attempting to find the level of play he experienced in 2021.

Again, if the Braves let Fried walk it is the belief in the top of your staff you're looking for an innings eater who gives you a chance to win. If that player is currently on Atlanta's roster the most likely option is Anderson. With a full normal offseason to get healthy and past success, expect Anderson to be given every chance to win a roster spot in 2025.

Luis Severino

The postseason experience and exposure for Severino could push the veteran pitcher out of Atlanta's price range. However, if you're looking for a reliable fifth starter who isn't on a top-of-the-market contract and isn't high-risk Severino is a great option. He isn't going to ever put the team on his back but the current Met will give you a consistent chance to win.

If Fried walks this is all Atlanta needs to replace. Fans should view the move as replacing Fried with Strider and looking to eat the innings Charlie Morton did in 2024.

Charlie Morton

Speaking of Morton why couldn't the pitcher continue to defy Father Time? Yes. The results aren't what they were a season or two ago but Morton is still an incredible innings eater. If the Braves prefer to spend their money on fixing the lineup Morton could be the answer.

If the veteran wants to return last season's result suggests he is more than capable of continuing to eat innings. Your 5th starter isn't supposed to be dominant but a reliable innings eater that is what Morton is at this stage of his career.

Jose Quintana

The veteran pitcher would be another great potential fit if the Braves are simply looking for a reliable innings eater. The argument against this move is whether or not you would be better served to believe your system will present an answer. Atlanta needs to spend on the outfield and at shortstop. If the team were to take a big swing at either position we may not see a notable signing for the rotation.

However, if the team prefers a reliable option with the respective injury histories of Sale, Strider, and Lopez it would be understandable. Quintana has been a part of the Mets' resurgence and would offer Atlanta a chance to steal a key piece from a hated division rival as well.

Grant Holmes

Lost in Atlanta's postseason failure is the job that Grant Holmes did in an incredibly tough spot. The Braves were down to their final game of the regular season needing a win to keep their playoff streak alive. With Sale dealing with a back injury the ball was turned over to Grant Holmes who delivered four scoreless innings when the Braves needed it most.

It wouldn't be at all shocking if Holmes is given an early look at a rotation spot. A.J. Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder are the other in-house options. Neither have been impressive nor given reason to believe they would be any more reliable than Holmes.

Jack Flaherty

If the Braves want to make a move in free agency and pay for reliability without the risk of an aging player or the high contract of Fried, Jack Flaherty could be a great fit. Spending time with the Cardinals, Orioles, Tigers, and Dodgers the veteran has been consistently reliable when healthy.

The one concern with the signing is adding another player who has a notable injury history. Still, the fit into Atlanta's final rotation spot would solidify the Braves as the best rotation in the division and give the team room to lean on their depth throughout the season.

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