Max Fried, Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)
Max Fried has avoided arbitration, as he has signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves.
The Atlanta Braves got a big boost to their starting rotation on Friday, as left-hander Max Fried was able to avoid arbitration by signing a one-year deal worth $3.5 million for the 2021 MLB season.
Fried really made a name for himself last year. Once Atlanta’s ace Mike Soroka ruptured his Achilles’ tendon, it was Fried who answered the call the Braves desperately needed. A Cy Young candidate throughout the shortened season, Fried was a reason the Braves won their first two postseason series since 2001, coming up one win short of finally getting back to the World Series.
Are the Atlanta Braves finally ready to win the NL pennant again?
Atlanta blew a 3-1 series lead to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2020 NLCS. The Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds in a best-of-three NL Wild Card Series, as well as sweeping the division rival Miami Marlins in a best-of-five NLDS. While Fried pitched well all season, Atlanta did not have quite enough to upset the favored Dodgers over in Arlington.
As for if the Braves can come out of the NL and win the World Series, anything short of a return to the NLCS would be a massive disappointment. However, they will be pressed by the Dodgers, as well as the San Diego Padres, for Senior Circuit supremacy. If Atlanta gets slightly better with its starting staff, the Braves may have what it takes to win their first World Series since 1995.
Getting Fried back on a reasonable one-year deal means the Braves are ready to go win it all now.