The Atlanta Braves’ main focus this winter is clear: re-signing starting pitcher. However, this task will be tougher than many expect, as he has several potential suitors, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. If the Braves want to keep him, they’ll need to offer a substantial contract. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report doubts Fried will return to Atlanta, even naming the Baltimore Orioles as the best fit for the left-handed ace this offseason.
“The Orioles might not ultimately spend quite enough to retain (Corbin) Burnes, but they still need a top-of-the-rotation arm as they try to win a World Series during the Gunnar Henderson-Adley Rutschman Era. Max Fried would give the Baltimore Orioles an ace, adding to a rotation that includes Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin,” Kelly wrote. “The six-year, $168 million deal we’ve projected would be less than what it will take to sign Burnes, but it’s still a major commitment the O’s can spin as a sign they’ve moved beyond the frugalness of the Angelos Era.”
In my opinion, this would be a surprising move. If the Orioles are prepared to offer $168 million over six years for Fried, they would probably be willing to spend $210 million over seven years to bring back Corbin Burnes. Baltimore already traded several top prospects for Burnes, and if they miss out on re-signing him, it will likely be because they’re unwilling to spend over $150 million on a contract. I wouldn’t expect them to sign Fried if they are out on Burnes.
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