2. He is the veteran presence
Leadership was a big word and point of emphasis in the conversations we had with everyone in the clubhouse this morning. Mostly because Freddie Freeman was a leader.
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) March 15, 2022
Here's an excellent example of "leadership" from Max Fried this AM. #Braves pic.twitter.com/0iySOWOGnJ
Despite still being relatively young, Max Fried is now the veteran presence in the rotation, especially if Charlie Morton decides to retire.
Kyle Wright is out for the 2024 season, which means that Fried will be at least three years older than a rotation that has Strider, Elder, and a mix of Shuster, Dodd, Vines, and Soroka.
The Braves ace lefty has been in the league since 2017 and is the second-longest tenured Braves player. He is one of only three Braves who played on the 2017 team left on the roster.
As the starting rotation is getting younger, extending Fried keeps on an ace and a leader.
"He's a big leader, especially for our pitching staff. We all hope he's OK."
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 30, 2023
Travis d'Arnaud talks to @Kelly_Crull about his own 4-for-5 game and provides his thoughts on Max Fried's injury. pic.twitter.com/G5Z5TA8rpk
3. He's consistent
Max Fried is at his best when the stage gets bigger.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 10, 2022
Since his 2017 debut, Atlanta's ace has kept elite company with his performance after the All-Star break. pic.twitter.com/SAK1srCecK
Like any pitcher, Max Fried isn't immune to bad starts, but he certainly limits them better than anyone. He's made 113 starts since 2019, and he's only allowed four or more earned runs in 17 of those starts. By contrast, he's allowed one or fewer earned runs in 43 of those starts.
When Fried takes the hill, he's had a quality start (a start of more than six innings and three or fewer runs allowed) in 58% of the games he's started. He's allowed two or fewer runs while going five innings in 67% of his starts.
With the Braves farm system still thin, it's not likely the team will have another starter match Fried's production to pair with Spencer Strider as the aces of the staff.