Max Fried rumors: 4 trade packages to get the Braves to budge
By Tim Boyle
If the Atlanta Braves want to turn the Max Fried rumors back on, these four teams should be looking to acquire him.
Last week, there were some Max Fried rumors about the Atlanta Braves possibly shopping the 28-year-old lefty in a trade. Mr. Reliable has gone 54-25 for them since 2017 while adding a 3.09 ERA. He has been especially good in the last three years, culminating in a runner-up finish for the Cy Young last year.
Max Fried rumors caught many people off-guard as the Braves seem to have an obvious need for him. Some cold water has been splashed on the speculation, but they could always change their mind. Fried has two years left of control and could bring the Braves something pretty awesome back in return.
If the Braves change their mind and decide to trade Fried, what kind of monster trade package could it take?
1) Max Fried rumors: A trade package from the Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles should be a threat to deal away some of their young talent for established players. They haven’t spent a lot this offseason. Could they be gearing up for a big splash via trade? They definitely have some intriguing pieces. Exactly what can they offer the Braves to get a deal done?
The Braves are able to acquire an outfielder in Austin Hays along with left-handed pitching prospect DL Hall, outfielder Colton Cowser, and infielder Connor Norby. It’s a solid return for Atlanta and doesn’t do too much damage to the future of the Orioles franchise. They would, of course, need to immediately look into extending Fried to make this a worthwhile deal.
In addition to adding to the roster, the Braves are able to dump a portion of Eddie Rosario’s salary onto the Orioles. The 2021 postseason hero is owed another $9 million next season. There is even less of a need for him if they acquire Hays. Clearing out the roster space would be a big help, especially if they continue paying Marcell Ozuna.
Hays is a left field upgrade for the Braves with Cowser waiting in the wings to compete for innings as well. Hall would be a bullpen or rotation contender soon enough. He may need to wait another season before getting any significant playing time.
With Rosario gone, the Braves will have another move they can consider making. Maybe it’s one more for depth. It couldn’t hurt to add to the bullpen further.