Now that the second half of the MLB season is underway, the Atlanta Braves must be kicking themselves for their offseason decision to let ace Max Fried sign with the New York Yankees.
Fried, who was recently selected to his third All-Star game with his new team, has put up a solid 11-3 record through the first half of the season with a 2.43 ERA and 113 strikeouts through 122 innings pitched, and is currently sidelined with a blister injury that Braves fans may be familiar with. Despite this, Fried is expected to return to the Yankees' rotation on July 23, according to CBS Sports.
Braves Have Been Missing Max Fried All Season
With injuries scattered through the starting rotation, the Braves have been missing the consistency and productivity from the lefty. Atlanta will be without staff ace Chris Sale, as well as young starters Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith-Shawver. While Sale and Schwellenbach could still be available this season, any return would come too little too late for the struggling Braves.
The former Brave is fondly remembered by fans, especially for his six-inning shutout performance against the Houston Astros in the World Series clinching game 6 in 2021, securing the Braves their second World Series crown since moving to Atlanta. During his eight seasons with the Braves, Fried posted a 73-36 record, with an ERA of 3.07 and 863 strikeouts while compiling a career WAR of 22.9.
Following the 2024 season in which Fried was second on the team in wins, with 11, the Braves offered Fried a new deal, however, Fried declined, electing instead to explore free agency, which led him to the New York Yankees where he signed a staggering four-year, $218 million contract, a record high for a left handed pitcher.
According to reports, the Braves offered Fried a one-year qualifying offer, which Fried was expected to decline, allowing the Braves to secure a future compensation pick. The Braves' intentions to pursue a longer deal with the former Gold Glove winner ultimately did not come to fruition. This offseason move continues to haunt the Braves as the season moves forward.