The Atlanta Braves will begin the 2025 season without one of their top pitchers, as Max Fried, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner, has signed a massive $218 million deal with the New York Yankees in free agency.
With Fried leaving, the Braves will need to find a replacement for their rotation, and Jim Bowden of The Athletic has suggested that former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty could be a strong option.
Flaherty, who is coming off a solid season split between the Tigers and Dodgers, posted a 13-7 record with a 3.17 ERA, 1.068 WHIP, and 194 strikeouts in 162 innings. Bowden pointed out that Flaherty was considered by many to be the Dodgers’ best starting pitcher heading into the postseason, and while there are concerns about his medical history, a potential three-year, $63 million deal could be a good fit for the Braves.
The contract length would depend on his medical evaluations, but Flaherty’s strong performance in 2024 suggests he could provide a reliable option for Atlanta’s rotation, especially if they are unable to retain Charlie Morton. With Flaherty being a year younger than Fried, this signing could serve as a strategic move for the Braves to fill the gap left by Fried’s departure while maintaining a competitive pitching staff.
