MLB Trade Rumors: Top 3 Landing Spots for Free Agent Max Fried

With the signing of Blake Snell by the Los Angeles Dodgers, former Atlanta Braves southpaw Max Fried is now the top lefty available on the free agent market, and teams are hot in pursuit of the two-time All-Star and former Cy Young runner-up.

The 30-year-old is also a three-time Gold Glover on the mound, and a World Series champion.

So which teams seem like the top landing spots for Fried? Let's look at the top 3:

Boston Red Sox

A recent report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today claimed that the Red Sox were "adamant" about signing one of the top lefties on the free agent market. And with Snell gone, Fried is the only option left. He's far from a consolation prize, however.

The #RedSox want to sign two of the top three free-agent starting pitchers this offseason (Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Blake Snell) and are “adamant” on signing at least one lefty between Max Fried and Blake Snell, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/WkoFQhZwxz
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) November 25, 2024

The BoSox have some nice pieces in their rotation, including Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and the returning Lucas Giolito, who sat out all of 2023 after UCL surgery. But what they lack, especially with the uncertainty of Giolito's status upon his return, is a true ace at the top of that staff. Fried would be it.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays want to make a splash this winter, to try to wash away the stench of their disastrous 2024 season, and potentially save the job of beleaguered GM Ross Atkins. They're said to have plenty of interest in Fried, particularly as the rest of their starting rotation throws from the right side after they dealt Yusei Kikuchi last season. Fried's addition would give Toronto a formidable staff that would be tough to beat, as he would line up with Kevin Gausman, Jose Berríos, Bowden Francis and Chris Bassitt.

Baltimore Orioles

If the O's lose out on re-signing their own elite ace in free agency, Corbin Burnes, they would almost have to replace him with Fried to maintain their status as a true championship contender. They are motivated and have "engaged" in conversations with high-end starting pitchers on the free agent market, per GM Mike Elias.