4 big-name moves Orioles could make if new ownership is ready to spend

1. Orioles can bookmark Braves ace Max Fried

Max Fried has enjoyed his time with the Atlanta Braves, but there is an endlessly billowing chimney in the rumor mill at this point. Where there is smoke, there's generally fire, so it's time to start thinking about Fried's future beyond 2024. The Braves have shortchanged Fried in contract talks on multiple occasions. There's still time for the 30-year-old to land a major extension, but the Braves generally don't spend top dollar on pitchers.

Atlanta won't trade Fried. He's too important to their World Series dreams in 2024. Once free agency arrives, however, all bets are off. Teams will push hard for Fried, who could command a deal in the same ballpark as Aaron Nola, if not more. Last season was interrupted by injuries, but Fried posted an impressive 8-1 record and 2.55 ERA in 14 starts. He was Cy Young runner-up in 2022 (and fifth-place in 2020). He has a credible case to be Atlanta's No. 1 pitcher when operating at full strength. Baltimore would certainly place him on that pedestal.

With strong command of his four-pitch arsenal, Fried tends to neutralize threatening bats with a high groundball rate (59.2 percent, 97th percentile) and low barrel rate (3.8 percent, 95th percentile). He, like Wheeler, has extensive experience in the postseason. Fried has been an integral part of Atlanta's recent stretch of NL East dominance. He will enter free agency at 31 years old, but Fried has more than earned a long-term contract of considerable value.

The last few years have been slowly building toward a potential breakup in Atlanta. There's still time for Fried to the Braves to salvage the situation — it's not contentious — but the Orioles should have Fried pegged atop their 2025 free agency board. If he hits the open market, the front office should pounce with ownership's full support.