The Chicago Cubs ended the 2024 season with an 83-79 record, marking their fourth consecutive year missing the playoffs. As the front office prepares for the offseason, speculation is growing about potential upgrades to the starting rotation, including the possibility of targeting longtime Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried.
In an October 21 article for *The Athletic*, Patrick Mooney discussed the Cubs’ offseason priorities, noting that adding another starting pitcher for 2025 is “an obvious move.” Mooney highlighted the successful free-agent signings of Jameson Taillon and Shōta Imanaga as models the Cubs could follow. Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy praised both pitchers for their “pitch-ability,” saying they “throw a ton of strikes,” “limit walks,” and have the ability to effectively navigate lineups, throwing multiple pitches for strikes. Hottovy also emphasized their leadership qualities, which have been vital to the Cubs’ success.
Mooney suggested Max Fried could be an ideal target, describing him as “a consistent, high-level performer.” Fried is set to enter free agency this winter after eight seasons with Atlanta. Spotrac estimates his market value at six years and $136 million, making him a significant but potentially valuable addition to the Cubs’ rotation.
Max Fried Will Be Much Cheaper Than Corbin Burnes
The top starting pitcher in this winter’s free agency market is Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes, who is expected to command a substantial contract. There have been significant predictions regarding his potential earnings, with Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer forecasting an eight-year, $288 million deal back in August. More recently, on October 18, Joel Reuter predicted a seven-year contract worth $255.5 million.
The Chicago Cubs could benefit from adding a frontline starter like Burnes, especially given his familiarity with the Windy City. Burnes spent the first six years of his MLB career with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, playing under Craig Counsell, who is now the Cubs’ manager.
However, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer might be hesitant to invest that heavily in a starting pitcher. This could prompt the organization to explore more affordable yet effective alternatives to bolster their rotation.
How Max Fried Could Fit Into the Cubs’ Rotation Mix
Given his production and projected salary, Max Fried would be a great fit for the Cubs’ plans this offseason. The left-hander is a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, boasting a career 3.07 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, along with 863 strikeouts in 884.1 innings pitched. His impressive stats would enhance the Cubs’ rotation alongside their current starters.
According to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, Chicago’s top three starters are expected to be Shōta Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Justin Steele, with Javier Assad and Ben Brown in the mix as well. Veteran Kyle Hendricks is set to hit free agency, leaving a gap that Fried could fill.
Adding a top-tier starter like Fried would provide manager Craig Counsell with a strong front four when everyone is healthy, significantly bolstering the team’s chances in October. This need is especially pressing, considering the challenges many teams have faced in achieving consistent starting performance during the postseason.
While signing an ace like Corbin Burnes would be ideal, the cost could be prohibitive for many teams. Fried, on the other hand, is viewed as a more budget-friendly option, yet he still possesses a solid track record and postseason experience, including a championship run with Atlanta in 2021.
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