2 reasons why the Braves should consider trading Max Fried and 2 reasons why they shouldn’t

Left-handed starting pitcher Max Fried is in his 8th season with the Atlanta Braves. He has a career record of 68-29 with a 3.05 ERA and seems to continue to improve. Through 78.2 innings of work in 2024, Fried has a 3.20 ERA and has already demonstrated his toughness by pitching two complete games, one of which was a complete game shutout.

With numbers like this, Atlanta wants to keep Max as long as possible. Or would they? Fried is expected to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. At this point, the team’s chances of signing him to a contract extension during the season appear slim. If the Braves are worried they won’t be able to keep Max Fried, should they consider trading him? Let’s look at some pros and cons.

As previously mentioned, Fried is absolutely trading right now, and that’s no coincidence. His career numbers show he is one of the most reliable starters in Major League Baseball. There is no doubt that if the Braves put Fried on the trading block, they would get a big return for the left-handed pitcher.

Hitters are having a hard time getting Max Fried going and his statcast profile proves it. He ranks in the 98th percentile in average exit velocity, 94th percentile in hard hit percentage and 97th percentile in ground ball rate. This combination results in major success.

Not only would Fried’s return be premier players, but they could also be the answer to Atlanta’s struggling offense. With Ronald Acuna Jr. out for the season and the rest of the team underperforming, trading Max Fried could bring a more potent offense to Atlanta.

If Atlanta were to trade Max Fried, there is no doubt they would be looking for offensive help, but where would it come from? What about the Chicago Cubs?

Sending Max Fried to the Cubs could help Atlanta shore up its weaknesses for 2024 while allowing them to plan for the future. According to MLB Pipeline on March 8, the Cubs have the second-best farm system in all of baseball. The Braves could consider adding slugger Cody Bellinger to the outfield and stockpile for the future.

Brian Snitker would still have Chris Sale and Reynaldo Lopez at the top of the starting rotation, both of whom have been sensational so far in 2024. However, sending Fried out would leave a glaring hole in a rotation that is already struggling to find a reliable fifth starter.