MLB

Braves urged to bring in Astros All-Star on projected $63M contract

Will the Atlanta Braves make a splash in the free-agent starting pitching market?

It certainly could be a possibility.

Max Fried is a free agent, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him sign elsewhere. Because of that, the Braves should be looking to bring in another hurler. Fried is one of the top left-handed hurlers in baseball, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the club look into bringing in another lefty.

Because of this, The Athletic’s Tim Britton, Chad Jennings, and Aaron Gleeman floated Houston Astros starter Yusei Kikuchi as a fit with a projected $63 million payday.

“Many questioned the Astros at the trade deadline for giving up a valuable three-prospect package for Kikuchi, who, at the time, had a 4.75 ERA with the (Toronto Blue Jays),” Britton, Jennings, and Gleeman. “With the Astros, though, Kikuchi threw fewer curveballs and more sliders, and he delivered a 2.70 ERA over the season’s final two months. His free agent value might depend on whether teams believe that late-season change had unlocked a higher level.

“Prior to the end of last season, Kikuchi had been more steady than sensational. He was an All-Star in 2021 but finished that season with a slightly below-average 93 ERA+, and he has an underwhelming 91 ERA+ for his career…Britton’s projection: three years, $63 million. “Best fits: ATL, HOU, (San Francisco Giants).”

Kikuchi would be a very solid replacement for Fried at a fraction of the cost.

More MLB: Braves urged to sign projected $15 million future Hall of Famer

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