Braves target 3 elite players that can actually show up after Max Fried’s abysmal performance

The Atlanta Braves’ season came to an abrupt end after a 2-0 sweep by the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card round. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t replicate their 2021 success, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr. sidelined due to injury.

Max Fried, an impending free agent, was expected to step up as the Braves’ ace in Game 2, but he struggled when it mattered most. In just two innings, Fried gave up eight hits and five runs, contributing to the Braves’ 5-4 loss that sealed their elimination.

With rumors swirling about Fried’s potential departure from Atlanta, the Braves may need to find a new ace for the future—one who can deliver in critical postseason moments. Here are the top three potential replacements for Fried who could shine in October.

3. RHP Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty was a key trade target for the Braves leading up to this season’s deadline, with rumors swirling for weeks. However, Alex Anthopoulos and the Braves ultimately chose not to make many moves, trusting in Max Fried, Chris Sale, and their young prospect pitchers to carry them into the postseason. While they did secure a playoff spot, their early exit wasn’t what management had envisioned.

Although Atlanta didn’t pull the trigger on a Flaherty trade, they will have another chance to acquire him as he enters unrestricted free agency at the end of the Dodgers’ season. If they can work out the financials, Flaherty could be a great fit for their rotation.

In 2024, Flaherty has reinvented himself, posting a 3.17 ERA with nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings over close to 200 innings. This is a far cry from the pitcher he was during his stint with the Orioles in the latter half of 2023.

Flaherty has also accumulated 25 postseason innings with a solid 3.60 ERA, and given his current form, he could be primed for a breakout as the Dodgers push for the World Series this season.

2. RHP Corbin Burnes, though it’s unlikely

If we’re talking about finding a replacement for Max Fried, it’s impossible to overlook the top pitcher in this year’s free agency, Corbin Burnes. However, I should note that this option might not be the most likely, as the Baltimore Orioles are expected to do everything they can to keep Burnes in Baltimore long-term. While it would be challenging for Atlanta to pry him away, it’s not entirely out of the question.

Burnes is among the best pitchers in the league and proved his value in a crucial postseason start this year, pitching eight innings of one-run ball in a tough 1-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals. His performance lowered his postseason ERA to an impressive 2.33 over 27 innings, showcasing his ability to deliver when it counts most.

Replacing a lifelong Brave like Fried is no easy task, but if Atlanta is willing to let him walk, they’ll need someone significantly better, especially in high-stakes moments. While few pitchers in the league are clear upgrades from Fried, Orioles ace Corbin Burnes is certainly one of them.

1. LHP Blake Snell

 

And finally, we arrive at the most obvious candidate: Blake Snell. Snell, alongside Corbin Burnes, is one of the premier free-agent pitchers this offseason. While some teams might prioritize Burnes for his ability to go deeper into games, Snell remains one of the top pitchers in baseball.

What sets Snell apart is his ability to elevate his game as the season progresses and the pressure mounts. This year, he underscored the value of Spring Training after a rough start likely cost him another Cy Young award. His dominant performance down the stretch left many lamenting the missed opportunity to see him in postseason action.

In his postseason career, Snell has logged 48.2 innings with a 3.33 ERA and outstanding strikeout numbers, proving his ability to thrive when the stakes are highest. He’s consistently been among the best pitchers in the league, and his postseason track record only adds to his appeal.

Snell is likely to follow the money in free agency, and if the Braves are set to lose a left-handed ace in Fried, why not replace him with one of the few lefties who’s even better?