The Boston Pink Sox are an ace (and some different strikes) away from solidifying themselves as a real postseason contender. It’s been three seasons because the ballclub certified for the playoffs and the urgency to finish that’s underway this offseason.
Max Fried needs to be among the many names thought of for the Pink Sox. The 2021 World Collection championship etched his affect with the Atlanta Braves for a number of seasons and he emerged as one of many high starters in baseball. He could not throw 100 MPH, however he will get hitters out with a strong pitch combine that would enhance with Andrew Bailey’s enter.
He would additionally give the Pink Sox the left-hander the rotation presently lacks with Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck and Lucas Giolito.
Fried will command a professional $100 million contract, although his worth could also be extra interesting to the Pink Sox than different high starters available on the market.
With that stated, listed below are the resume factors that ought to intrigue Boston when contemplating Fried’s providers on the mound.
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ESTABLISHED FRONTLINE STARTER
Whether or not he was the true No. 1 on paper or not, which regularly relied on the yr, Fried already took the lead of the employees on a championship staff in his profession.
He’s began the clinching recreation of the World Collection. He’s made All-Star groups within the Nationwide League. He’s acquired Cy Younger votes. Oh, and as an added bonus for a Pink Sox membership that desperately wants defensive enchancment, he’s a three-time Gold Glover.
Boston is a step up market-wise from Atlanta, however Fried proved he can rise to the event and shoulder the obligations of an ace ought to he unite with the Pink Sox.
SOFT CONTACT
Let’s speak concerning the qualities that really matter for the Pink Sox in how Fried will get hitters out along with his subsequent MLB franchise.
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Fried mixes his pitches exceptionally effectively and not often permits laborious contact or barrels at a excessive charge. He’s a ground-ball-inducing machine that may pitch to contact and get the swings and misses with an distinctive curveball when he must.
The left-hander additionally retains the ball within the ballpark. The one time he allowed greater than 20 house runs in a season got here in 2019. That’s key for somebody who could face a number of right-handed heavy lineups at hitter-friendly Fenway Park.
CONSISTENCY
When Fried is wholesome, which is most of his big-league profession, he posts and offers his staff a robust probability to win. The Pink Sox want that frequently to enhance a succesful lineup.
Fried has 4 seasons with over 28 begins and 4 extra with an ERA underneath 3.00. That’s powerful to seek out and shouldn’t be a diminishing pattern sooner or later as he enters his age-31 season in 2025.
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