The Atlanta Braves have one of the most well-built rosters in baseball, but it hasn't translated to as many wins as hoped.
Atlanta has stacked up more injuries than most other teams in baseball. The Braves still are in contention for a playoff spot but are missing a handful of starters, including Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, among others. The fact that the Braves even are in contention for a playoff spot is a testament to how much depth the organization has.
The Braves should be back in the mix to contend in the National League in 2025 as they get healthier. But, they could lose an important piece in free agency. Ace Max Fried is going to hit free agency and is projected to receive a contract worth around $149 million.
There already has been a lot of speculation that he could end up leaving. It's too early to know that, though. Atlanta should have a lot of competition for his services as he was ranked as the No. 8 free agent for this upcoming class, according to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter.
"Fried broke out during the shortened 2020 campaign when he finished fifth in (National League) Cy Young voting, and over the past five years, he has a 2.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 609 strikeouts in 644.1 innings spanning 110 starts," Reuter said. "He has dealt with some injuries, but he has also consistently pitched like a frontline starter when healthy. Can the Braves afford to let him get away?"
Fried has shined with the Braves over the last eight years, and now Atlanta will have to make a tough decision whether or not to hand him a large contract. The Braves certainly should do everything possible to do so.
More MLB: Braves star could be approaching final appearance with Atlanta