In case you've been out of the baseball news over the past week, a lot of free agent signings have taken place recently. Free agents have blown this winter out the water with some of the massive paydays they have gotten. Of course this means a lot of players have found new homes, but none had as big an impact on the Atlanta Braves as the loss of ace Max Fried.
The long-time Brave inked an eight year deal worth $218 million with the American League champion New York Yankees this past Tuesday. It was a move fans saw coming, but it didn't make it hurt any less. The sadness didn't stop there though as Max Fried issued a tear-jerking goodbye to Braves country on his Instagram this afternoon.
Max Fried thanks Atlanta's organization and Braves fans across the world
Fried wrote that he was feeling a ton of emotions when making this post, and that he was filled with nothing but gratitude for all of Braves' fans support over the past ten years. He went on to thank many members of Atlanta's organization as well as thanking the fans for the energy they brought on a nightly basis.
Fried ended by saying how much love he will carry for the fans because they made Atlanta feel like home, and emphatically concluded by calling everyone "World Champs forever."
It definitely leaves Braves fans with a heavy heart as Fried was such a role model in the organization over the past decade. Not only did his spectacular play on the field (3.07 ERA and 3.29 FIP across 884 innings) mean a great deal to the team, but his leadership in the clubhouse and community were shining examples of how to be an all-around big leaguer.
Fried's legacy in Atlanta was cemented the moment he shoved in the World Series clincher in 2021. Braves fans shouldn't have any issue rooting for a guy that impactful as he continues his amazing career. No matter where the Braves go from here this offseason replacing Fried will be a tough task. If the Braves find a pitcher with half the talent and clubhouse presence Fried had...then it will be a job well done.