Cubs 'make sense' for Braves star pitcher in possible free agent shakeup

The Chicago Cubs have been red-hot lately.

Chicago has won seven of its last 10 games and currently has a 67-66 record. The Cubs currently are 5 1/2 games out of a National League Wild Card spot and could make a run at a spot if it can stay hot down the stretch.

The Cubs could be even better in 2025. Chicago likely will be busy in free agency and Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly mentioned the Cubs as a possible landing spot for Atlanta Braves star pitcher Max Fried.

"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 (New York Yankees), (Baltimore Orioles), (Houston Astros), Cubs, (New York Mets), and (Los Angeles Dodgers)."

Fried has been one of the best pitchers in the National League over the last eight years and would be a major help if the Cubs could end up landing him.

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