Braves star linked to Yankees in possible winter blockbuster signing

The Atlanta Braves will have to hand out a large contract this upcoming winter if they want to hang on to one of their top pitchers.

Max Fried has developed into a true ace since making his big-league debut with the Braves in 2017. He has spent his entire eight-year big league career in Atlanta but will be a free agent at the end of the season.

It's too early to know right now if the Braves will re-sign him, but they certainly will have some competition. Fried will be one of the top pitchers available and Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly mentioned the New York Yankees as a possible landing spot .

"Max Fried is going to be one of the most interesting free agents this offseason because he's probably a better pitcher when healthy than Aaron Nola, who returned to the Philadelphia Phillies on a seven-year, $172 million deal after testing free agency last offseason," Kelly said. "At the same time, Fried is 50-22 with a 2.85 ERA, two All-Star Game appearances, three Gold Glove Awards, and a runner-up finish in NL Cy Young Award voting (2022) on his resume...

"Atlanta president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has let most star players who look to maximize their value in free agency—Josh Donaldson, Freddie Freeman and Swanson—depart. Fried could be next if he doesn't want to take a hometown discount. Among the teams that could make sense as suitors are the Yankees, (Baltimore Orioles), (Houston Astros), (Chicago Cubs), (New York Mets) and (Los Angeles Dodgers)."

If the Braves were to lose Fried this upcoming offseason, that certainly would be tough. Atlanta has a surplus of capable pitchers so it may decide against handing out a large deal. We will find out more information in a few months when free agency kicks off.

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