The Atlanta Braves have taken it upon themselves to lock up their core of young stars, having dished out contract extensions to players such as Michael Harris, Spencer Strider, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and others.
But there has been a rumor floating around suggesting that the Braves might be entertaining trade offers for their ace, Max Fried.
The young left-hander was once again dominant in 2022, winning 14 games and posting a 2.48 ERA in 30 starts and 185.1 innings of work.
However, any rumors about the Braves potentially trading away Fried have been dispelled.
ESPN’s Buster Olney revealed that the Braves do not plan on trading their ace and are in win-now mode.
The Braves are trying to win in the immediate future. To that end, they aren't entertaining a trade of their ace, Max Fried.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 13, 2022
Braves Will Not Trade Fried
The Braves have a solid top four in their rotation with Fried, Strider, Kyle Wright, and Charlie Morton.
So it would make sense as to why the Braves would not want to trade the left-hander.
Atlanta won 101 games in 2022 and captured their fifth consecutive National League East division title.
Fried was on the mound in the clinching Game 6 of the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros, earning the win after six scoreless innings.
The left-hander made his debut in 2017 and quickly emerged as a frontline starter with the Braves.
For his career, the 28-year-old owns a 54-25 record and an ERA of 3.09.
But for now, Braves fans can breathe easy.
The rumors of Fried potentially being traded have been debunked.
Their ace isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and will likely be the Braves Opening Day starter in 2023.
NEXT: Hilarious Braves Photoshop Trolls The A's