In the realm of Major League Baseball, the value of a dependable starting pitcher cannot be overstated. As teams strategize to solidify their rosters, the merits of two standout pitchers, Max Fried and Blake Snell, are frequently scrutinized. Both players are anticipated to command significant financial offers due to their achievements and the ever-shrinking pool of elite starters available.
Max Fried: A Model of Consistency
Max Fried has consistently proven to be a reliable force on the mound. With a career ERA+ of 140 over nearly 900 innings, Fried's performance speaks volumes of his steadfastness. Despite experiencing a season where injuries limited him to just 14 starts, his worst performance still managed a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 2.6. This underscores a track record not only of reliability but also resilience, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
Many within the baseball community view Fried as a staple of dependability. Matt Snyder echoed this sentiment, stating, "Fried is the much safer option... a much more steady presence." The perception of Fried as a pitcher with consistent command is reinforced by R.J. Anderson's viewpoint, "I guess if I had my druthers I would take Fried... he doesn't have the same command-related crater risk." This reputation positions Fried as an attractive option for teams prioritizing stability in their starting rotation.
Blake Snell: A High-Risk, High-Reward Proposition
In contrast, Blake Snell is known for his high potential and ability to dominate the game. With two Cy Young awards to his name, Snell's peak performance can reach extraordinary heights. However, his career has also been punctuated by high walk rates and fluctuating WAR outputs, a variability that introduces an element of unpredictability to his game.
Renowned for his ability to strike out batters with ease, Snell is frequently praised for his ability to miss bats. Mike Axisa observed, "When he's on, he's as good as any pitcher in the game... Snell is one of the game's premier bat-missers." However, questions surrounding his command and control persist. Dayn Perry highlighted this concern, saying, "it's hard for me to overlook his chronic command-and-control issues."
Comparative Financial Outlooks
As these two aces approach free agency, while they are similar in age, their track records suggest they might receive comparable financial offers, according to R.J. Anderson. This evaluation takes into consideration Fried's age and consistent track record against Snell's peaks and valleys in performance.
Yet, personal preferences among analysts tend to favor Fried for his reliability over Snell's volatility. Matt Snyder's preference encapsulates this sentiment, "I like gambling at times, but less so with southpaw pitchers in their 30s. Gimme the safe option in Fried."
In conclusion, both Max Fried and Blake Snell offer compelling cases for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff. Fried represents a model of consistency and resilience, appealing to those who prioritize steadiness and reliability. Meanwhile, Snell presents a high-risk, high-reward possibility for franchises willing to gamble on the potential for exceptional peak performance.
As teams weigh their options, the choice between Fried and Snell represents a broader philosophical decision between consistency and potential. Ultimately, each pitcher's future will be shaped by how teams measure these attributes against their specific needs and aspirations in the quest for victory on the field.