The Chicago Cubs have had a solid 2024 season, with starting pitchers—especially left-handers like Shōta Imanaga and Justin Steele—playing a vital role in their success. But as they look to strengthen their rotation even further, adding another top-tier left-hander, Max Fried, could be the perfect move.
Fried has spent eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, establishing himself as a reliable pitcher with consistent performance. Despite facing injuries, including a setback during the 2024 season, Fried has proven he can bounce back and contribute meaningfully. In many ways, he resembles Justin Steele but comes with an even stronger track record, including two Gold Glove Awards, two top-five Cy Young finishes, and two NL All-Star appearances. Fried’s extensive postseason experience also brings added value, though his postseason ERA may not fully reflect his regular-season reliability.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Fried ranks as the sixth-best free agent this season. He’s not known for piling up strikeouts like some elite pitchers, but his steady velocity, around 94 mph on his four-seam fastball, is more than sufficient to keep hitters on their toes. His strengths lie in his precise command and his exceptional ground-ball rate, making him a standout in this area. For example, Fried’s ground-ball rate peaked at an impressive 58.8% in 2024, a mark few pitchers reach. With a walk rate of just 6.1% over the last four seasons, Fried’s control is well above average, adding to his appeal as a consistent performer.
If Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner stays healthy in 2025, the Cubs’ infield defense should be strong, which would complement Fried’s ground-ball pitching style perfectly. An effective ground-ball pitcher paired with a solid infield defense could mean more efficient outs and fewer high-stress innings for the bullpen.
Three out of four MLB Trade Rumors analysts predict that Fried will land with the Cubs, speculating on a contract of six years for $156 million, or an average annual value of $26 million. This figure is within the Cubs’ budget and mirrors the deal the Cubs gave to Jon Lester in 2015 (six years, $155 million), a signing that paid off with five productive seasons from Lester. Like Lester at the time, Fried would bring experience, consistency, and leadership to the Cubs, potentially guiding the rotation to even greater success.
The potential match between Fried and the Cubs feels almost ideal, both in terms of player profile and financial feasibility. Adding a proven left-hander like Fried could make a significant difference in the Cubs’ pursuit of postseason success.