The Atlanta Braves were dealt a tough blow on Tuesday evening when left-hander Max Fried skipped town and joined the New York Yankees.
The two-time All-Star signed an eight-year, $218 million contract to join the Bronx Bombers. Fried had a long run with the Braves, winning three Gold Gloves and a World Series title in addition to his two All-Star nods.
However, Mitchell Barbee of FanSided noted that in the long run, this might be best for the Braves and that the Yankees may have overpaid.
“Over the next eight seasons, ZiPS isn’t a fan of Fried’s. The projection model only expects the former Braves ace to amass 13.0 WAR, which would only be worth $120 million. If this projection comes out to be true it would mean the Bronx Bombers overpaid by nearly $100 million,” Barbee wrote.
Fried went 11-10 with a 3.25 ERA in 29 starts in his final season with the Braves. He also pitched 174 1/3 innings and struck out 166 batters while posting a 3.5 WAR
The veteran left-hander dealt with forearm issues as well and missed some time, so injuries are certainly a concern. Plus, the Braves still have reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale and Spencer Strider at the top of their rotation.
So, while losing Fried certainly hurts, it may ultimately be for the best that the Braves didn’t try to match this offer and will instead focus elsewhere to try and contend again in 2025.
They still have a strong core in place and should be a force next year. It will be interesting to see if Atlanta tries to sign another pitcher or if they will trust what they already have in place.
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