The Braves are allegedly looking to re-sign both Max Fried and Charlie Morton but it

Most of Braves Country expects Alex Anthopoulos to let Max Fried leave in free agency, but according to a new story from Jim Bowden of The Athletic, they aren’t giving up easily.

In answer to a query regarding how likely Atlanta is to pursue Jordan Montgomery or Zach Littell in a trade, Bowden provided some information that we may have inferred, but now we have definitive proof that the Braves are attempting to sign Fried. However, the team is also looking to re-sign Charlie Morton.

If the Braves are unable to re-sign Max Fried, are they likely to pursue Jordan Montgomery or Zack Littell (from the Rays), or will they stick with what they have and hope that one of Bryce Elder, Ian Anderson, AJ Smith-Shawver, or Hurston Waldrep can hold onto a rotation spot? — Jeremy P.

The Braves are attempting to re-sign Fried and Charlie Morton, as well as pursuing several other free-agent starting pitchers who are ranked higher than Montgomery. They’re also keen on their young starters, both in the majors and in the pipeline, and since they don’t have a poor contract to offer in exchange for Montgomery, I don’t see a fit until the Diamondbacks are willing to

Max Fried is expected to sign a free agent contract worth $150 to $200 million over six years, which I don’t believe they will do (at least for the time being), while Charlie Morton is looking at another one-year deal worth $15 to $20 million.

Morton feels fairly certain to be an Atlanta Brave in 2025 if the club wants him back. It’s simply a matter of determining whatever number works best for both sides. Fried, on the other hand, has a substantially lower probability.

It was never going to be easy to compete with the Mets, Dodgers, and Yankees for Fried’s services, but the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Red Sox are also reportedly interested in the southpaw.

There are more clubs looking for starting pitchers than there are available. Simple supply and demand dictates that the Braves will have to step outside of their comfort zone if they want to sign Fried or another notable starter.

Yusei Kikuchi has recently signed a three-year contract worth $63 million with the Los Angeles Angels. He’s the first important starting pitcher to exit the market, and if he can command $21 million per year for three years, the Braves must be willing to spend much further to keep Max Fried.