The first month of the 2025 MLB season is in the rearview mirror, and things haven't unfolded the way that the Atlanta Braves had hoped.
The Braves are opening the second week of May with a 15-18 record through 33 games, having not tasted the .500 mark since they began the year at 0-0. It's been an extremely frustrating experience for fans, especially after Atlanta qualified for each of the last eight postseasons, which includes a World Series win less than four years ago.
As the Braves look to turn things around in Month 2, now is a good time to check in on how certain ex-Atlanta veterans are performing this year.
Former Braves LHP Max Fried is Thriving After 1st Month With Yankees
While some ex-Braves players are struggling to hold onto their respective jobs this season, that isn't the case for New York Yankees southpaw Max Fried. After spending his first eight MLB seasons in Atlanta, the 31-year-old lefty joined the Yankees on an eight-year, $218 million contract in December, marking the fourth-biggest pitcher contract in MLB big-league history.
It's always tough for a fanbase to part ways with a beloved athlete, and Fried's exit wasn't an exception. The Santa Monica, CA native was a treat to watch as he went 73-36 with a 3.07 ERA and 863 strikeouts across 168 games (151 starts, 884 1/3 innings) in an Atlanta jersey, picking up two MLB All-Star nods, three Golden Gloves, and a World Series ring along the way.
Nevertheless, Fried's performance was trending in the wrong direction lately, resulting in the Braves being unwilling to meet his asking price when he became a free agent last winter.
The gamble ended up backfiring in Atlanta's face as the 31-year-old LHP continues to perform like one of baseball's best hurlers. Fried has fought his way to a flawless 6-0 record through his first seven starts with the Yankees, tallying an American League-best 1.01 ERA while also amassing 39 Ks with 11 walks allowed in 44 2/3 innings.
It won't be long before Braves supporters are reunited with their former fan favorite. The Yankees will be visiting Truist Park for a three-game series from July 18-20, meaning fans will want to start circling those dates on their calendars if they haven't already.
In the meantime, Fried's electric start has caught oddsmakers' eyes. The former Braves lefty currently holds the third-best AL Cy Young odds (+550) on DraftKings Sportsbook heading into the remainder of May.
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Odds update periodically and are subject to change.