BREAKING NEWS: As Braves superstar Marcell Ozuna predicted to leave Atlanta in free agency by insider due to….

Due to its disappointing season, Atlanta will need to make some difficult choices in the coming months. With an abundance of cash at their disposal, the Braves must determine whether to give pitching star Max Fried a huge chunk of it.

At the end of the season, he will become a free agent, and the Braves will undoubtedly have competition for his services. It’s too soon to tell where he will land at this stage. The San Diego Padres were mentioned by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand as a potential fit despite this.

“Fried is one of the few homegrown Braves who hasn’t signed a long-term extension, putting him on track to test the free-agent market following his second All-Star campaign in three years,” Feinsand stated. “Fried, a three-time Gold Glove winner, has a 3.46 ERA through 26 starts, which is really his highest since 2019, but he will be among the best starting pitchers available this winter. The Padres, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs are possible fits.”

The eight-year big league career of the two-time All-Star has been with the Braves. With a 3.11 career ERA in 165 appearances overall—148 of which he started—he has excelled. Although Fried has long been a key member of the Braves rotation, this winter’s cost will be an issue.

San Diego isn’t scared to spend big and has enjoyed an unexpected season. After the playoffs, the Braves should be closely monitoring the Padres, as they will pose a serious danger to Fried’s signing.