The Atlanta Braves have one of the best rosters in baseball.
Atlanta has struggled with a variety of injuries this year and the 2024 season has been somewhat of a disappointment overall. The Braves had high hopes for the season, but injuries have significantly reduced their chance of winning the World Series than they probably expected.
If that’s the case, Atlanta should be one of the top teams in baseball again next year and challenge for the title. One important decision that needs to be made, however, is the future of All-Star starter Max Fried.
Fried is a two-time All-Star and has developed into a true ace with Atlanta, but he will be a free agent at the end of the season. It’s unclear what will happen to him, but FanSided’s Michael Brakebill predicted he will re-sign with Atlanta.
“Given the early loss of Spencer Strider and the subsequent critical setback of losing Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta sees its 2024 season going down the drain quickly,” Brakebill said. “The starting lineup was still a strength, and with Strider returning next season, keeping another productive starter in Max Fried makes all too much sense. Then you have Strider, Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Fried, just like you wanted this season. A healthy Atlanta roster gives the (Philadelphia Phillies) a tough fight in the (American League East), and they’ll likely try to do it again next year. Prediction: Atlanta Braves.”
If the Braves can keep Fried, their chances of winning the World Series next year would improve significantly.
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