In a stunning offseason move, Max Fried, one of baseball’s top pitchers, has left the Atlanta Braves to join their NL East rival, the Philadelphia Phillies, on a six-year, $174 million contract. This blockbuster signing significantly bolsters the Phillies’ rotation and shifts the balance of power in the division.
Fried, a two-time All-Star and 2021 World Series champion, was the ace of Atlanta’s pitching staff. Over his career with the Braves, he compiled an impressive 3.08 ERA and a 65-32 record. Known for his elite command, devastating curveball, and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, Fried was an essential piece of Atlanta’s recent success. However, the 30-year-old left-hander entered free agency following the 2024 season, seeking a lucrative deal that Atlanta reportedly hesitated to match.
The Phillies, eager to strengthen their pitching rotation after falling short in the postseason, aggressively pursued Fried. Pairing him with their other star pitchers, such as Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, makes Philadelphia’s rotation one of the most formidable in baseball.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Max Fried to the Phillies,” said team president Dave Dombrowski. “Max is a proven winner with exceptional talent, and we believe he will be a game-changer for our team as we aim to bring a championship to Philadelphia.”
For the Braves, losing Fried marks a significant setback. While Atlanta has developed a reputation for extending homegrown talent, they were reportedly unwilling to meet Fried’s contract demands, opening the door for the Phillies to swoop in.
Fried’s departure intensifies the rivalry between the Braves and Phillies, with both teams poised to battle for NL East supremacy. For Philadelphia fans, the signing signals a renewed commitment to chasing another World Series title, while Atlanta fans are left wondering how the team will fill the void left by one of the league’s best arms.
With Fried now donning red pinstripes, the stakes in the NL East just got higher, and all eyes will be on his first return to Truist Park as a member of the Phillies.
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