re: ATL Thread | offseason hot takes + discussion

Fried is not going to be traded unless the Braves fall flat. He simply won’t. Has nothing to do with optics or any of that bullshite. If the Braves are competing he will stay until he hits free agency. The Braves are in the business of trying to win another World Series, not punting it down the road to future seasons

The Braves and Astros are the only teams who have finally figured out you can’t buy a World Series title, but instead should be buying playoff opportunities. Making the playoffs and then getting hot is the only way to win a title.

The only difference between the Braves in 2020 and 2021 were they got hot. The only difference for the Astros is they were hotter than a cold Phillies team. The Braves didn’t win with Freddie, then won with Freddie, then the Dodgers didn’t win with Freddie.

Regarding Fried, yes they will ride him out until it’s obvious he isn’t signing (it’s already obvious to AA) and they get an offer that will give them more playoff opportunities. It’s that simple. If they don’t get a decent offer then they will ride him 2 more seasons and then let him walk. And Fried is not some sure thing pitcher in the playoffs. He’s had as many bad performances as good ones. That’s isn’t worth what his agent will be seeking.

AA to DOB on Fried...

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“In 2025 what’s the rotation going to be?” That’s very much in my thought process. Max is a stud. Second in Cy Young, great in the clubhouse, and he’s the type — I’ve told him this, too — he’s going to age well. 

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David O'Brien

@DOBrienATL

If #Braves are to sign Fried to big extension -- he's 2 yrs from FA -- it makes sense that it happen later this year and begin in 2024. Cuz if did it now, with say $25M AAV in deal, it would be approx $12M above his projected 2023 sal, and additional 20% lux tax on the extra $12M

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Agreed.

What DOB said does make sense.

I'll believe it when I see it. No reason to believe we'll do it right now because if we do re-sign him, it'll be the first $300m contract the Braves ever give out. I'm not sure AA is willing to do that.

They aren’t going to sign him. That ship has sailed. AA has to play the optics game a little which is why he’s being coy because the media will paint a picture. But if he wasn’t going to pony up for Freddie he sure isn’t going to do it for a pitcher, especially for one who has a spotty post season resume.

And the question about what a 2025 rotation looks like is just a lazy question from clueless media member. What’s AA suppose to say to such a meaningless question?

Rodon just got 6/$162M. Fried is better than him. Someone like the Angels will give him close to $200M.

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They aren’t going to sign him.

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Probably not, but they definitely aren't going to trade him.

They might next year. Depends on how the season in 2024 is going at the trade deadline I would think

How did the Braves get burned regarding Freddie? We got a younger player for cheaper who is in the same tier. The Dodgers can pay old man Freddie down the road. I’m glad the Braves will still have a productive Olson when Freddie drops off.

And Fried is just simply not worth what he’ll want. As for the Braves not being able to pull off trades that’s simply not true. The farm will be restocked over the next 5 years while the Braves are going to the playoffs every year. Sure, they aren’t trading for Ohtani types but so what. They never have. We won a WS due to a bunch of no name relievers and a couple of hitters named Rosario and Soler who didn’t cost much to get. Some of y’all make it sound like all you gotta do is trade for a few studs and the WS comes to you. That’s not how baseball works.