Max Fried signed a record contract for a left-handed pitcher nearly a month ago, and some recent projections will make Atlanta Braves fans a little more heartbroken with Fried's departure. Fangraphs Steamer projection has Fried as one of the highest fWAR projections amongst players who will suit up for a new team in 2025. It's a list that contains notable names like $765 million man Juan Soto and new Giants shortstop Willy Adames.
Last season, Fried pitched to the tune of a 3.25 ERA and 3.33 FIP in 174 innings of work. Fried has been the model of consistency posting a sub-3.30 ERA each of the last five seasons. That's why these Steamer projections come out to pretty similar numbers for Fried in 2025. For that reason, Braves fans aren't going around arguing the fact that replacing Fried won't be a challenge for next season.
The Yankees are signing Max Fried to an 8-year, $218 million contract, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/ohZ9gaek2K
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 10, 2024
Can the Braves replace Max Fried's expected production?
As we inch closer and closer to Spring Training, Atlanta's options for replacing Fried continue to dwindle. Thankfully, the rotation can still be a great strength for the ball club so long as the Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo Lopez quartet can remain relatively healthy.
That's why some reporters have suggested the Braves could instead make a financial splash in the bullpen or outfield instead. Atlanta may not sign a player that projects to surpass Fried's 3.3 fWAR projection. However, allocating resources to multiple needs could help the Braves beat that projection for a fraction of the cost.
Whether that be signing a late-inning arm like Tanner Scott or trading for a starting caliber left fielder like Lars Nootbaar, that production can and likely will be replaced. It's all up to how Alex Anthopoulos wants to round out this already strong roster. The clock is ticking for the Braves to add some real talent to the roster and hopefully we get some good news sooner than later for everyone's sanity.