In a recent analysis by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, left-handed pitcher Max Fried has been identified as the “perfect transaction” for the Toronto Blue Jays as they approach the off-season.
Per Passan:
Beyond their pursuit of Soto, the Blue Jays are actively seeking a high-impact pitcher to enhance their starting rotation, which already includes established arms like José Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and up-and-comer Bowden Francis. With this addition, the team could potentially forge one of the most formidable pitching rotations in Major League Baseball.
The 30-year-old Fried, who will turn 31 by next season, boasts impressive credentials. He made 29 starts for the Atlanta Braves in the past season, resulting in an 11-10 record with a commendable 3.25 ERA. As an eight-year veteran, Fried played a crucial role in the Braves’ World Series victory in 2021 and is also recognized as a two-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove Award winner.
While the Blue Jays are currently linked to several top-tier pitchers in the free-agent market, including the much-coveted Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell, there is some intrigue surrounding this interest. Given that the team already boasts a solid rotation, which also features Yariel Rodriguez—signed last offseason—this potential move stands out as somewhat unexpected.
Moreover, Spotrac estimates Fried’s market value at an impressive six years and $136 million, further emphasizing his desirability within the league.
Should the pursuit of Juan Soto not yield results, the Blue Jays appear poised to pivot to other elite pitchers like Fried, signaling a proactive strategy for the upcoming season.
**Interview with Baseball Analyst on Max Fried and the Toronto Blue Jays**
**Interviewer:** Welcome to our show! Today, we’re discussing a recent analysis by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, who highlighted Max Fried as a prime target for the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason. Joining us is our baseball analyst, Sarah Thompson. Sarah, thanks for being here!
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me! Excited to dive into this topic.
**Interviewer:** Let’s start with Max Fried. Passan mentioned him as the “perfect transaction” for the Blue Jays. What makes Fried such an attractive target for them?
**Sarah Thompson:** Max Fried is an exceptional left-handed pitcher who has shown consistent performance over the past few seasons. His ability to generate strikeouts and manage games effectively would be a significant boost to the Blue Jays’ rotation. They are looking for high-impact players, especially after last season’s performance, and Fried fits that bill perfectly [[1](https://www.mlb.com/news/max-fried-braves-qualifying-offer)].
**Interviewer:** Exactly! Fried recently received a qualifying offer from the Atlanta Braves. How might that affect his market value?
**Sarah Thompson:** Receiving a qualifying offer typically indicates that the team views the player as a vital asset. For Fried, it means he will be a sought-after free agent, and the Braves are positioning themselves for potential draft pick compensation should he sign elsewhere. This could drive up his market value as multiple teams, including the Blue Jays, look to secure his talents [[1](https://www.mlb.com/news/max-fried-braves-qualifying-offer)].
**Interviewer:** The Blue Jays are reportedly pursuing other high-impact players as well, notably Juan Soto. How do you think this shapes their overall strategy in free agency?
**Sarah Thompson:** The pursuit of both Fried and Soto indicates that the Blue Jays are all in this offseason to compete not just regionally, but on a league-wide level. They recognize the need for a robust starting rotation along with potent offensive power. Prioritizing Fried means they’re looking to solidify their pitching staff to complement an already strong lineup [[1](https://www.mlb.com/news/max-fried-braves-qualifying-offer)].
**Interviewer:** With these targets, what challenges do you foresee for the Blue Jays in acquiring them?
**Sarah Thompson:** The main challenges include financial commitments, as both Fried and Soto will command sizable contracts. There’s also competition from other teams looking to make similar moves, which could drive prices up even higher. The Blue Jays will need to weigh their options carefully to maintain long-term flexibility while pursuing immediate upgrades [[1](https://www.mlb.com/news/max-fried-braves-qualifying-offer)].
**Interviewer:** Great insights, Sarah! It sounds like it’s going to be an exciting offseason for the Blue Jays and their fans. Thanks for joining us today!
**Sarah Thompson:** Thanks for having me! Looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds.
