ESPN: Braves general manager on losing veteran high-profile star to the Yankees
Max Fried is dominating early for the New York Yankees, so losing him still hurts even if the Braves rotation has pitched really damn excellent lately. With a 6-0 record thus far in Pinstripes, the veteran former Atlanta ace has a league-high 1.29 ERA and 305 ERA+ (205% over the league average).
Fried has responded to any doubts about his ability to handle the strain of playing in the Bronx by having one of the finest starts of any high-profile free agent signed by the Yankees, something Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos anticipated.
Anthopoulos stated, “He’s (Max Fried) had incredible years, with ERAs in the 2.00s, second in Cy Young to Sandy Alcantara one year, pitching one of the biggest games in the Braves’ history, Game 6 of the World Series, and stepping up huge for us.”
“It was well-deserved and I got the biggest contract in the history of the game for a left-handed starter,” Anthopoulos added. Nobody is more prepared. He is the last National League player to win a Silver Slugger, works really hard, studies a lot, and has incredible athleticism. We obviously don’t have him, but I’m happy for him since he received an incredible contract. I also informed him that he would have a chance to make the playoffs almost every year of his career. The postseason isn’t much missed by the Yankees.
He had an amazing seven years here, during which he was able to go all the way and still qualify for the playoffs. I have nothing but praise for him. From a front office perspective, he was excellent.
An eight-year contract worth over $218 million is a hazardous move for any player, but it seems like a person the Braves should have never wanted to leave their facility. This is especially true for pitchers, who are more likely than any other position in sports to suffer from chronic illnesses these days.
However, Alex Anthopoulos doesn’t think Max Fried’s performance will suffer during his new contract if he can maintain his health.
He’s going to age really well because to his athleticism and self-care, but he can just flat pitch, as I stated three or four years ago. He was fastball/curveball when I arrived, but he later began to develop a slider. Cole Hamels then enters and begins further experimenting with a changeup. then begins further experimenting with a two-seamer. He has the aptitude and work drive to keep improving. I believe you will see Max Fried pitch for as long as he wants to. Of course, health is a concern for any starter, but you never know how that will work out.
