The San Francisco Giants could be on the verge of losing star pitcher Blake Snell in free agency. If that happens, they’ll need a backup plan, and Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried could be an ideal target as a left-handed replacement.
While Snell leaving isn’t a certainty, the Giants might convince him to stay with a lucrative long-term deal. Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly environment could even help him secure another Cy Young Award, potentially his third, which would bolster his Hall of Fame candidacy.
However, many expect Snell to land a massive contract with teams like the Yankees or Dodgers. If that happens, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pitching elsewhere next season.
SF Giants should replace Blake Snell with Max Fried
If Blake Snell leaves San Francisco in free agency, the Giants’ starting rotation could find itself in a precarious position. While Logan Webb would remain as the ace, the rest of the rotation would likely include Robbie Ray, Kyle Harrison, Hayden Birdsong, and Jordan Hicks.
Webb has been a model of consistency, but the other four pitchers bring question marks. Each had standout performances last season, but they also dealt with inconsistency and injury issues.
This is why adding another top-tier starter to pair with Webb would be crucial, and Max Fried could be the perfect fit. Fried has been an elite starter for several years with the Braves, earning two All-Star selections. In 2024, he posted a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts, with 166 strikeouts and just 57 walks across 174 1/3 innings. While Fried doesn’t have the strikeout power of Snell, his control is more reliable.
At 31 next season, Fried could be signed to a long-term deal, perhaps in the five-year range, ensuring the Giants have a strong 1-2 punch with Webb for the future.
Losing Snell would certainly hurt, but bringing in a proven starter like Fried would soften the blow and strengthen the Giants’ rotation heading into 2025.
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