3 Atlanta Braves the team must consider extending this offseason

1. Max Fried needs to be extended by the Atlanta Braves

Yes, Strider has the strikeout numbers and is a great option. However, this team's ace remains Max Fried. When healthy and in rhythm, there is no one better for the Braves to have on the mound every fifth day or to lead off a playoff series. Letting Fried slip away in free agency would damage this roster as Fried is the only current member of Atlanta's core not on a long-term deal.

Atlanta has the rest of this offseason and the 2024 season to get a deal done. While Alex Anthopoulos is always hunting for the bargain deal, it seems Fried may be the first to demand market value. Considering what they have saved on the rest of the contracts, it is time to pay up.

You can't go out on the free agent or trade market and find a pitcher who replaces what Fried means and brings to this roster. Atlanta is going to struggle to make this move considering the price that Fried will likely demand, but it is the right decision for a franchise that needs to find more reliable rotation options and can't afford to lose their best arm. Even above adding to left field, shortstop, or the back end of the rotation, Atlanta's offseason priority should be locking up Max Fried.