Braves could replace Max Fried with former postseason standout for 2025

With Max Fried likely entering free agency, the Atlanta Braves may have a big hole to fill in their starting rotation for 2025.

While they have plenty of internal options, they'll need a frontline starter, as Spencer Strider will still be recovering from Tommy John surgery.

In order to fill the void left by Fried's potential departure, Atlanta should look at the free agent for help, where they could target a former postseason standout.

"Jordan Montgomery surprisingly couldn't land a long-term contract last offseason, instead signing a one-year, $25 million deal with the Diamondbacks that included a $20 million player option for 2025," Jim Bowden wrote. "How he pitches in August, September, and perhaps October will determine whether he enters free agency and gets a longer-term deal."

Montgomery did not sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks until late in the offseason. He has struggled this season with Arizona with a 6.25 ERA in his 18 starts.

The 31-year-old may ultimately choose to exercise his player option if he wants to rebuild his value, but he does have some time to do that this season.

If Arizona goes on a run in the postseason and he pitches like the October standout he was last season for the Texas Rangers, then he'll be highly coveted.

The veteran left-hander would also fit quite nicely in Atlanta. With several young pitchers on the staff, Atlanta could benefit from a veteran presence, as well as somebody they can trust to take the ball in a postseason game.

Montgomery went 10-11 last season with a 3.20 ERA in 32 starts with the Rangers and St. Louis Cardinals.

We'll see if Atlanta chooses to target the left-hander. It would certainly make sense if they find Fried's asking price too high.

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