Los Angeles Dodgers in pole position to pick up Max Fried

The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be positioned well in the hunt for Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried, who’s projected to attract a six-year, $156 million contract. Fried, a consistent force for the Braves with a career ERA under 3.00 since 2020, could be a perfect fit for the Dodgers, a team that’s been laser-focused on bolstering their rotation after injuries have left gaps in their usual pitching depth. With Clayton Kershaw potentially sidelined until midseason and Shohei Ohtani not pitching until 2025 due to injury rehab, Los Angeles is exploring options that can keep them competitive from day one of the 2025 season.

Given Fried’s background and his ties to Southern California, the Dodgers are a tempting choice for him personally and strategically. As a two-time All-Star and an experienced postseason pitcher, Fried brings both the reliability and high ceiling that teams covet in a potential ace. For the Dodgers, Fried would complement their current rotation strategy that blends high-cost stars with younger talent. This approach has worked wonders in the past, especially given their track record of signing high-caliber pitchers like Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while managing to build a formidable bullpen through both established and emerging players.

Meanwhile, the Braves face challenges keeping Fried due to rising contract expectations across the league, especially in a year where star pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell are also set to test free agency waters. Though Atlanta may wish to hold on to Fried, their payroll commitments suggest they may prioritize other players if his price escalates, as many insiders predict. Los Angeles, one of the few teams with budget flexibility, could potentially swoop in as the Braves hesitate.

If Fried signs, he’ll add to an already dynamic Dodgers roster and would likely slot in as a front-line starter alongside Ohtani (eventually) and other key players, giving the team a formidable pitching arsenal. For Fried, this opportunity also brings him closer to his roots and into a system that has shown a knack for playoff success and marquee matchups.

The Dodgers’ willingness to spend big to address their pitching needs makes them a strong contender, and if they secure Fried, it could push them even closer to a title next season and set them up to contend for years to come.