Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried has become a free agent and his projected contract has been announced which the Toronto Blue Jays could most definitely afford.
Max Fried's projected contract is announced and the Blue Jays could afford it
Fried is 30 years old and just wrapped up an incredible season with the Atlanta Braves in 2024 with a 3.25 ERA in 174.1 innings pitched while striking out 166 batters in that time.
The former Braves all-star is projected to sign a six year deal worth $156 million which the Blue Jays could afford. Fried is also able to stay healthy when looking at his past which seems to be an issue every year with Blue Jays pitchers which shows why he is well worth the money.
Fried's one of the off-season's top free agents with a projected six-year, $156 million contract by MLB Trade Rumors, and an expenditure of that scale might require special approval from ownership at Rogers Communications, Inc., which also owns Sportsnet. But he's not the only top-ranked starter in whom the Blue Jays are showing interest - due diligence at least, or perhaps more. -Nicholson-Smith
The Blue Jays have been linked to quite a few starting pitchers in free agency but if they are truly looking to be a team that truly competes for the World Series next year, they will need to bring in at least one pitcher of Fried's caliber.
If the Blue Jays end up cheaping out once again and try to only get bargain deals in free agency, they will end up with only mediocre players as they did last season and will likely end up with a similar record in 2025.