The Atlanta Braves have been caught in the middle of trade rumors around ace Max Fried, but a few MLB insiders are shutting down those rumors.
The Atlanta Braves recently traded for catcher Sean Murphy in a three-team trade, which is causing rumors of pitcher Max Fried to be traded. Payroll is rising, and the Braves have yet to sign Fried to an extension, causing many to wonder whether or not they’ll be able to afford to.
“Don’t be surprised if we see a Max Fried this offseason”
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) December 13, 2022
Jim Callis brought a HOT Rumor with him on MLB Network earlier pic.twitter.com/YkwcaKCuyX
However, a few MLB insiders have shot down the idea of him being traded.
Buster Olney of ESPN shared that the Braves aren’t entertaining the idea of Fried being traded as they’re “trying to win in the immediate future.”
Atlanta did face a disappointing elimination from this postseason after winning the World Series the year prior, so it only makes sense that they’re still in the championship mindset.
FanSided’s Robert Murray also believes the Braves won’t trade Fried. Murray stated, “The Braves are in win-now mode and by signing most of their young nucleus to long-term, team-friendly contracts, have payroll flexibility and don’t need to trade Fried. Will they listen? Sure. All teams listen on every player. But a trade is highly unlikely this offseason.”
While it is possible Fried goes elsewhere, it seems to be the less-likely scenario.
Braves ace Max Fried seems to be staying in Atlanta
Anything can happen, but Fried is a highly-valuable asset in Atlanta and it seems more likely the Braves would work around ways to keep him rather than trade him away.
Prior to 2018, they hadn’t been to the playoffs since 2013, but since making it in 2018, they’ve been every season and won the World Series in 2021.
Atlanta also clinched the division five seasons in a row, though 2022 was a close call in which they clinched it during the last week of the regular season. They have a solid team with some great young players, but clearing out what they have will only hurt their chances of success.
The Braves have a solid rotation with the fifth-best ERA (3.46) of the league, fourth-best opponent batting average (.226) and seventh-best WHIP (1.19). While there’s always room for improvement, trading away Fried would definitely be a noticeable downside.
This past season, he produced an ERA of 2.48, batting average against of .225 and WHIP of 1.01. Among all regular starters, he had the best ERA, BAA and WHIP.
The Braves could still decide to trade Fried, but it wouldn’t make sense to if they’re looking to continue immediate success.