Is there an incomprehensible club that wants to trade an ace with the goal of winning?
The prospect that the Atlanta Braves will trade left-hander Max Fried (28), who has served as an ace for the past three years, this winter draws attention.
MLB.com reporter Jim Callis said on the 16th (Korean time), “I heard that the Braves could trade ace pitcher Max Fried,” and “The Braves’ payroll continues to rise. “I don’t know if Sean Murphy can be extended, but I’ve heard rumors about Fried. They can’t sign Fried with a long-term contract. Don’t be surprised if Fried is traded this offseason.”
MLB.com said, ‘According to Fangraphs, Atlanta’s next year’s payroll is expected to reach $229 million. It is a figure that is close to the luxury tax standard of $233 million,’ he said, ‘next year, Fried’s annual salary is expected to be $12.2 million.’
In other words, Atlanta, which cannot increase the payroll due to the luxury tax burden, will eventually have no choice but to let Fried, whose annual salary is rapidly rising as an ace. Fried becomes a free agent at the end of 2024.
If this is true, it would mean that Atlanta’s finances are in pretty dire shape. Atlanta has yet to pay a luxury tax since 2003, when the current luxury tax rules were introduced. However, it is not a team that is passive in investing or sells players to run the club.
This season, stable power by signing long-term contracts with three key players in their 20s: Matt Olson (8 years, $168 million), Austin Riley (10 years, $212 million), and Michael Harris II (8 years, $72 million). put effort into
In this regard, it is said that the renewal of the contract with free agent shortstop Dansby Swanson has virtually gone through the water. However, the local media’Atlanta Journal-Constitution’ said on the day,’If Atlanta can’t retain Swanson, it won’t be because it can’t afford the salary.’ It happens. “Atlanta will be able to stay strong without Swanson.” It is not that there is no money, but that Swanson’s alternative resources are strong.
However, the first selection is different. This is because the team’s core power is the first starter not only in the regular season but also in the postseason.
Freed started 30 games this season and threw 185⅓ innings, posting a 14-7 record with a 2.48 ERA and 170 strikeouts, placing second in the Cy Young Young voting. Since 2020, he has posted 35 wins and 14 losses and an average ERA of 2.68 over the past three years, and his defense is excellent enough to win the Pitcher Gold Glove for three consecutive years. 스포츠토토
Perhaps because of this, ESPN reporter Buster Olney conveyed a different atmosphere on the 15th, saying, “Atlanta, the 2020 World Series champion, is not in a situation to consider a trade offer for Freed.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also said, “Atlanta is overflowing with cash and profits with a significant increase in the number of spectators at True Park.” Considering that the money was invested, it is right to reinvest in the roster.”
Originally, there are rumors going around in the offseason, but the free trade issue is expected to draw attention as the hottest issue for Atlanta fans this winter.