ESPN MLB analyst Jeff Passan has dubbed signing left-handed pitcher Max Fried the “perfect move” for any team in need of an elite ace. As one of the most consistent and reliable pitchers in Major League Baseball, Fried is poised to be a highly sought-after talent if he hits free agency. Passan’s endorsement highlights Fried’s combination of skill, experience, and leadership as unparalleled assets for a contending team.
“Max Fried brings everything you want in a pitcher,” Passan said. “He has the dominance of an ace, the consistency to anchor a rotation, and the postseason pedigree that makes him invaluable when the stakes are highest.” Fried’s resume includes multiple All-Star selections, a sub-3.00 career ERA, and standout performances in the Braves’ 2021 World Series-winning campaign.
With speculation growing over Fried’s future in Atlanta, teams across the league are expected to make aggressive offers if extension talks falter. Passan emphasized that Fried’s left-handed dominance is rare in today’s game, making him a perfect fit for clubs looking to bolster their rotation. Whether he stays with the Braves or signs elsewhere, Fried is positioned to be one of the most impactful acquisitions of the offseason.