Max Fried vs. Blake Snell: A Tale of Two Aces
In the world of professional baseball, reliable pitching is a rare commodity. As offseason negotiations loom large, two names have emerged as prominent figures—Max Fried and Blake Snell. Both pitchers are expected to attract substantial financial offers, but their paths and reputations diverge in intriguing ways. This article takes a closer look at their careers, evaluating performance consistency, command issues, and the potential financial windfalls on the horizon.
Max Fried: The Steady Hand
With a career ERA+ of 140 spanning nearly 900 innings, Max Fried has established himself as a paragon of reliability. His consistency is evident even in seasons marred by injuries. During a truncated season when he was limited to just 14 starts, Fried still managed a respectable WAR of 2.6, underscoring his steadfastness. Matt Snyder encapsulates Fried’s appeal succinctly, noting, "Fried is the much safer option... a much more steady presence."
R.J. Anderson echoes this sentiment, adding that Fried doesn't have the "command-related crater risk" that could affect other pitchers' performances. The consensus among analysts is clear: Fried is a model of consistent excellence, a dependable ace with minimal downside.
Blake Snell: High Risk, High Reward
In contrast, Blake Snell's career has been characterized by peaks and valleys. A two-time Cy Young award winner, Snell’s achievements are undeniable. According to Mike Axisa, "When he's on, he's as good as any pitcher in the game... Snell is one of the game's premier bat-missers." Yet, this brilliance comes with a caveat. His seasons have been punctuated by fluctuating WAR outputs and high walk rates, leading Dayn Perry to express concern over Snell's "chronic command-and-control issues."
This duality makes Snell an enticing yet unpredictable option for teams. While his ability to miss bats is unmatched when he's on form, the lack of consistency could prove costly during pivotal moments. Despite this, his two Cy Young awards signal an elite potential that few can match, highlighting why he remains a coveted asset.
The Financial Outlook
The impending free agency has sparked discussions about the financial futures of these two pitchers. Given their respective achievements and the scarcity of elite starters, both Fried and Snell are poised to command impressive offers. R.J. Anderson speculates that they "might have a similar financial outlook based on their ages and track records," though it's plausible that teams with a higher risk appetite might find Snell’s ceiling more alluring.
Matt Snyder, weighing the decision with a strategic gambler's mindset, prefers the safe bet: "I like gambling at times, but less so with southpaw pitchers in their 30s. Gimme the safe option in Fried.” For teams looking to balance risk and reward, these considerations will be pivotal in contract negotiations.
Concluding Thoughts
In evaluating these two revered pitchers, the choice between Fried and Snell boils down to a team's priorities. Fried represents the pinnacle of consistent prowess, offering a stability that can anchor a rotation. Snell, on the other hand, is a pitcher capable of reaching extraordinary heights, though his path is fraught with more uncertainty.
As the offseason approaches, the decisions made by franchises will shape their futures in profound ways. Whether it’s Fried's reliability or Snell's potential brilliance, both pitchers will undoubtedly leave their mark in the upcoming season.