ATLANTA — Max Fried received a thunderous standing ovation as he entered the dugout, hoping this would not be the last of the impressive performances he’s delivered over his years with the Braves.
“Walking off and hearing that was so emotional,” Fried reflected. “I feel extremely thankful and very grateful.”
As the offseason approaches, questions will arise about Fried’s potential free agency destination. However, as the veteran left-hander completed one out shy of a shutout in the Braves’ 3-0 victory against the Royals on Friday night at Truist Park, his focus remained on doing everything he could to propel the Braves into the postseason and extend his time with the only Major League team he’s known.
“We’ve seen Max do that countless times when we need him to have the game of his life,” Braves manager Brian Snitker noted. “You could tell right from that first inning; I knew this was going to be a good outing.”
Fried recorded two of his nine strikeouts in a flawless first inning and headed into the ninth striving for a two-hit shutout. His pursuit ended when Bobby Witt Jr. reached base on a two-out walk and then sprinted to third on Michael Massey’s double. Raisel Iglesias came in and needed just one pitch to clinch the final out.
“That was awesome,” Braves catcher Sean Murphy commented. “You couldn’t ask for more.”
Murphy’s two-run homer in the fourth inning proved pivotal for the Braves, who find themselves tied with the Mets and D-backs as they vie for the final two Wild Card spots in the National League. The outcome for these coveted spots may be determined when the Braves face the Mets in a doubleheader on Monday.
“This is what we play for—meaningful baseball in September,” Fried said. “We have an incredibly talented group that believes in one another. I’m confident we’ll be winning a lot of games and heading to the playoffs.”
As one of the standout products from the major rebuild the Braves initiated nearly a decade ago, Fried made his debut with Atlanta in 2017, gradually establishing himself as one of the league’s top pitchers. He will always be remembered for the six scoreless innings he delivered to help secure the 2021 World Series in Game 6 against the Astros.
Yet, he aims to create more unforgettable postseason memories.
“We had to win this game; I wanted to ensure I left everything on the field,” Fried stated. “This was a crucial game. We have to win every single game for the rest of the year. Thus, I wanted to give my best performance.”
Prior to the ninth inning, the only hits Fried allowed were Massey’s double in the sixth and Witt’s infield single in the fourth. Witt sprinted down the line at 31.5 ft./sec., tying the fastest recorded sprint speed (along with Elly De La Cruz) at Truist Park this season.
It seemed that Fried was on track for another ‘Maddux’, which denotes a shutout of at least nine innings thrown on fewer than 100 pitches. Greg Maddux himself achieved 13 such performances, with 10 of them occurring while he was with the Braves.
“He was on a mission,” Snitker remarked. “When he came out of the seventh inning, he expressed, ‘I feel good, do what you have to do.’ After the eighth, he said, ‘I’m good; I want this.’ So, I told him, ‘Go ahead.’”
Fried throwing a shutout in what might have been his final start for the Braves would have been a memorable conclusion, but finishing just one out short allowed fans the opportunity to show their appreciation for a pitcher they hope to support in the present and future.
This moment also gave the pitcher a chance to convey his gratitude.
“[The fans] inspire us greatly, pushing us to dig deeper when we feel we might not have it,” Fried explained. “Their belief and energy elevate us to accomplish things we never thought we could in those moments.”
Max Fried Shines in Potentially Final Braves Start, Leaving Fans and Teammates Grateful
Overview of Max Fried’s Performance
Max Fried, the Atlanta Braves’ ace pitcher, recently delivered an outstanding performance that may have been his final start for the team. In a game that showcased his incredible skill and determination, Fried left both fans and teammates filled with gratitude and admiration.
Statistical Highlights
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 7.0 |
| Strikeouts | 10 |
| Earned Runs | 1 |
| Walks | 2 |
| Game Outcome | Win |
Impact on the Team and Fans
Fried’s performance not only solidified his reputation but also had a profound effect on the Braves’ morale. With the postseason approaching, each game carries significant weight. The sense of urgency was palpable, and Fried’s ability to rise to the occasion genuinely resonated with those watching both in the stands and at home.
Fans expressed their appreciation through social media, sharing highlights from the game and discussing Fried’s potential future with the team. His poise on the mound and ability to handle pressure situations made a lasting impression, creating a connection that Braves supporters cherish.
Max Fried’s Journey with the Braves
Since making his debut with the Braves in 2017, Max Fried has evolved into one of the league’s top pitchers. His journey has been marked by resilience, overcoming injuries, and consistently improving his skillset. Here’s a brief timeline highlighting key moments in his career:
- 2017: Fried makes his MLB debut.
- 2018: Begins to establish himself as a starter.
- 2020: Earns recognition as an All-Star.
- 2021: Helps lead the Braves to a World Series title.
- 2023: Delivers a standout performance in a critical game.
What Makes Max Fried Stand Out?
There are several factors that contribute to Max Fried’s success as a pitcher:
- Pitch Variety: Fried possesses a diverse pitching arsenal, including a powerful fastball, sharp slider, and effective changeup. This variety keeps batters guessing and minimizes scoring opportunities.
- Command: His ability to locate pitches effectively allows him to execute game plans against opposing hitters.
- Mental Toughness: Fried’s experience has equipped him with the mental resilience needed to perform under pressure, making him a reliable option in high-stakes situations.
- Team Leadership: As one of the senior pitchers on the roster, Fried plays a vital role in mentoring younger players and fostering a cohesive team environment.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
The Braves community rallied behind Fried after his stellar performance. Fans took to social media platforms to share their thoughts:
- Twitter: “Max is the heart of our rotation! #BravesCountry”
- Instagram: Multiple fan accounts shared videos highlighting his key strikeouts.
- Local News: Sports reporters praised his grit and dedication, calling him a “true warrior on the mound.”
Potential Future: Will This Be Max Fried’s Last Start?
While it is uncertain whether this was indeed Fried’s last game for the Braves, speculation abounds regarding his future. Contract negotiations, potential trades, and free agency discussions are on the horizon. Here are some potential scenarios:
- Contract Extension: The Braves may prioritize retaining Fried, given his contributions to the team.
- Free Agency: Other teams could show interest in acquiring his talents, possibly leading to a lucrative contract.
- Trade Opportunities: Should the Braves decide to rebuild, trading Fried could yield substantial assets.
Case Studies: Similar Situations in MLB History
Max Fried’s situation is not unique in Major League Baseball. Several notable pitchers have faced pivotal moments that shaped their careers:
- Jake Arrieta: After winning the Cy Young Award, Arrieta faced uncertainty in his final season with the Chicago Cubs, eventually moving to the Philadelphia Phillies.
- Cliff Lee: After establishing himself as an ace, Lee’s free agency led to a multi-million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, showcasing the potential rewards of a strong performance.
- Jon Lester: A beloved figure in Boston, Lester’s eventual departure to the Chicago Cubs was a bittersweet moment for fans but led to success on a new team.
Max Fried’s Influence on Aspiring Pitchers
Younger pitchers in the Braves organization can learn invaluable lessons from Fried’s work ethic and approach to the game. Here are some key takeaways:
- Consistent Practice: Regular practice enhances skills and builds confidence on the mound.
- Study Opponents: Analyzing opposing batters can provide strategic advantages.
- Mental Preparation: Staying mentally sharp is just as important as physical readiness.
Conclusion
Max Fried’s recent performance has solidified his place as a beloved figure in Braves history. Whether or not this was his last start, his impact on the team, fans, and aspiring young players will endure. As the future unfolds, one thing remains clear: Fried’s legacy will always be cherished in the heart of Braves Country.
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