The Atlanta Braves are facing a potential void in their starting rotation with Max Fried’s impending free agency. To fill this gap, they’re exploring options, and one intriguing possibility is acquiring Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. This 25-year-old All-Star pitcher is projected to earn around $2.9 million in 2025, making him an attractive and affordable replacement for Fried ¹.
Crochet’s impressive performance in 2024, coupled with his relatively low salary, makes him an ideal candidate for the Braves. ESPN’s Buster Olney suggests that the Braves are likely to pursue Crochet, given their history of making savvy moves under Alex Anthopoulos ¹.
*Potential Replacements for Max Fried:*
– _Garrett Crochet_: A 25-year-old All-Star pitcher from the Chicago White Sox, projected to earn $2.9 million in 2025 ¹.
– _Jack Flaherty_: A Los Angeles Dodgers ace who could be a good fit for the Braves, especially if they’re willing to match his expected $121 million contract ².
– _Blake Snell_: A two-time Cy Young Award winner from the San Francisco Giants, potentially available for $172 million ³.
– _Luis Severino_: A former New York Yankees star now with the New York Mets, who could be a more affordable option with a multi-year deal ⁴.
While these options are promising, it’s essential to consider the Braves’ financial situation and their willingness to spend big. With Fried’s potential departure, the team might need to make some tough decisions to remain competitive.
*The Future of Max Fried:*
Fried’s eight-year tenure with the Braves has been impressive, with notable achievements including a World Series title and multiple All-Star nods. However, his injury-plagued 2023 season and impending free agency have cast uncertainty over his future with the team ⁵.
As the offseason unfolds, keep an eye on these developments to see how the Braves choose to replace Fried and navigate their rotation.
