The Atlanta Braves sadly could lose a star this winter.
All-Star starting pitcher Max Fried is available in free agency and there clearly will be a bidding war for his services. The price is going to be high and clear $100 million and possibly even $150 million.
It has been widely speculated that he will end up signing elsewhere, although that isn't confirmed anywhere and there's always a chance he could return until he signs elsewhere. Hopefully, that ends up being the case.
The Braves will have to plan other options, though. One player who was floated as a possible option to replace Fried and Los Angeles Dodgers star Jack Flaherty by Newsweek's Zach Pressnell.
"(Right-handed pitcher) Jack Flaherty, Free agent," Pressnell said. "Fried's in the top tier of starting pitchers in free agency. If Atlanta can't afford to acquire a pitcher in that top tier, looking in the next tier of pitchers would be a solid move to make.
Flaherty is expected to be much less expensive than Fried. Spotrac currently is projecting him to receive a three-year, $60 million deal despite a great year and being just 29 years old. Hopefully, the Braves will end up finding a way to bring Fried back. If that doesn't happen, though, landing Flaherty would be a great backup move.
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