The Atlanta Braves don't typically let their homegrown stars walk, but this winter could provide a notable exception.
In recent years, the Braves have dished out lucrative extensions to star players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider. But there was one All-Star that Atlanta was never able to lock down before he hit free agency: Max Fried.
Fried, a 30-year-old lefty with a 73-36 career record, expects to command a nine-figure contract this winter. The Braves don't seem particularly interested in entering a bidding war to bring him back, which could spell doom if the list of potential suitors keep growing.
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the many teams in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, but they also finished in last place in 2024. They're one of the biggest wild cards in this winter's free agency showdown, because no one really knows which direction they could swing.
For now, though, the Blue Jays are a serious threat to steal Fried. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported Thursday that Toronto is interested in signing the two-time All-Star to join their starting rotation.
"They’re in on Soto, have interest in players such as Max Fried... yet president and CEO Mark Shapiro said in early October he expected payroll to be similar to what it was in 2024, most of that is already spoken for and there’s little certainty on the roster beyond next year," Nicholson-Smith said.
Nicholson-Smith's portrait of the Blue Jays portrays them as a team caught in limbo, and desperate to climb back into contention. If they do miss on Soto, it's highly possible the Blue Jays could immediately pivot their attention to Fried, perhaps even overpaying to make sure they land him.
Toronto wouldn't be the worst place for Fried to sign from the Braves' point of view, but any new uniform will look strange on the long-time Atlanta star. And if the Braves aren't willing to put up much of a fight to keep him, then they certainly can't be picky.
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