The Atlanta Braves' current front office has continually set a dangerous precedent, sending a message to franchise stars that they won't be retained unless a team discount is in place. The Braves had no problem paying Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, or Chris Sale market value, but drew the line at retaining their own players at a fair rate. This has resulted in Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson, and Max Fried all walking away. It is important to note that among this trio, Swanson is the outlier.
Paying the shortstop what the Cubs were willing to offer would've been a mistake. Still, this doesn't make the infielder's absence any less impactful. A theme that continued this season with Atlanta's decision to let Max Fried walk away. Imagining what this year could've looked like if the franchise had Fried to lean on easily highlights the mistake. Fried's contract was market value and well within the range of what the Braves should've been willing to offer far sooner to the established ace.
The Braves Made a Mistake Letting Max Fried Walk Away
Fired is 11-3 on the season with a 2.43 ERA and has been incredible when healthy. While the starter is dealing with a minor injury at the moment, there is still no valid argument against the fact that the Braves should've paid the starter what he deserves. It seems Atlanta continues to learn all the wrong lessons from its recent World Series title and postseason runs.
Adding bargain players and looking for younger pieces to pay instead of retaining your own has landed the Braves in their current mess. This isn't to say the Fried would have the Braves as postseason contenders this season. Rather, the team would be in far better positioning and able to add the needed depth pieces to make a run.
Letting Fried walk away while the starter enjoys an incredible season in New York headlines what has gone wrong in Atlanta. This team continuing to lose core players can be blamed on cheap ownership or a cheap front office, depending on who you believe. Regardless, the result is the same, and frustration continues to grow.
Max Fried is a franchise player who deserved a top-dollar extension from Atlanta. Everything about his career demanded it, and yet the Braves were content to let the lefty walk away. A fitting decision to start a season that would be among the most frustrating in franchise history.