As uncertainty looms over Max Fried’s future with the Atlanta Braves, fans and analysts alike are urging the team to target a high-profile replacement if the ace departs. Fried, a key component of Atlanta’s rotation, could test free agency following the 2024 season, leaving a significant void in the pitching staff. One name gaining traction as a potential replacement is Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, projected to command a $60 million contract.
Yamamoto, widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in Nippon Professional Baseball, boasts a stellar track record with elite control, a devastating splitter, and the ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. At just 25 years old, he represents both a long-term investment and an immediate solution for any team looking to bolster its rotation.
Analysts believe Yamamoto’s talent would seamlessly integrate into Atlanta’s winning culture, providing stability alongside Spencer Strider and Charlie Morton. “If Fried leaves, Yamamoto should be Atlanta’s top priority,” one MLB insider noted.
With the Braves consistently aiming for championship contention, securing a star like Yamamoto could soften the blow of losing Fried and keep the team at the forefront of the National League.
