Batting Around: Blake Snell or Max Fried? MLB Experts Debate Which Free Agent Starter Is the Better Signing
Welcome back to another edition of CBS Sports’ “Batting Around,” where our MLB experts tackle the hottest topics in baseball. Whether it’s breaking down the latest news, diving into historical debates, or speculating about the future of the game, we’ve got you covered. Last week, we debated whether the Dodgers are a dynasty. This week, we’re diving into a question that’s sure to spark some heated opinions: If you had to choose, which free-agent ace would you rather sign—Blake Snell or Max Fried?
The Debate: Snell vs. Fried
Both pitchers are at the top of their game and are expected to command massive contracts this offseason. But which one is the better investment? Our panel of experts weighs in:
R.J. Anderson: “Whichever one signs with my team!”
R.J. Anderson isn’t picky—he’d be thrilled to have either ace on his roster. But if he had to choose, he leans toward Max Fried. “I enjoy watching him more, and he doesn’t have the same command-related crater risk,” Anderson explains. He also notes that both pitchers are likely to have similar financial outlooks given their ages and track records. In other words, you can’t go wrong with either, but Fried’s steadiness gives him the slight edge in Anderson’s book.
Matt Snyder: “Do you like to gamble?”
Matt Snyder frames the decision as a matter of risk tolerance. “Sure, every big deal to a starting pitcher is a gamble in some way,” he says, “but Snell has the higher ceiling and lower floor.” Snyder points to Snell’s two Cy Young Awards as evidence of his elite potential, but he also highlights the inconsistency in Snell’s career, including three full seasons with less than 1.5 WAR. Those high walk rates? They’re a double-edged sword, making Snell both electrifying and unpredictable.
On the other hand, Fried is the “safer” option. His worst WAR season as a full-time starter is 2.6, and that was in a year when he was limited to just 14 starts. “If you asked who is more likely to win a Cy Young award moving forward, it might be Snell,” Snyder admits. “But Fried is more likely to make multiple All-Star teams and be a steady presence.” For Snyder, the choice is clear: “Gimme the safe option in Fried.”
Dayn Perry: “Is Fried underrated?”
Dayn Perry finds himself torn. He loves Snell’s dominant upside and ability to generate swings and misses, but he can’t ignore the lefty’s “chronic command-and-control issues.” Perry wonders if Fried might actually be underrated at this point, given his career ERA+ of 140 across nearly 900 innings. “It’s hard not to favor a two-time Cy Young winner like Snell,” Perry says, “but I lean Fried by a nose thanks in large measure to his established excellence on the run-prevention front.”
Mike Axisa: “I’m a big Snell guy.”
Mike Axisa is all-in on Blake Snell. “When he’s on, he’s as good as any pitcher in the game,” Axisa says, pointing to Snell’s extended stretches of dominance over the past two seasons. Snell’s ability to miss bats is a rare and valuable skill in today’s home-run-heavy era, and Axisa believes it makes him a game-changer.
While he acknowledges that Fried is the “safer” pick, Axisa isn’t convinced that safety is guaranteed. “Even the healthiest pitchers with the best-looking mechanics can get hurt,” he notes, adding that Fried has dealt with some elbow issues over the past two years. Ultimately, Axisa’s pick is Snell: “That level of strikeout-ability is rare among starting pitchers.”
Breaking It Down
So, who should teams prioritize this offseason? Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons for each pitcher:
- Blake Snell: Two-time Cy Young winner with elite strikeout ability. High ceiling but inconsistent, with command issues and a history of low-WAR seasons.
- Max Fried: Steady and reliable with a career ERA+ of 140. Less flashy but more consistent, with fewer question marks about his command and control.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what teams value more: the potential for dominance or the assurance of consistency. Both pitchers are elite talents, and both will be paid handsomely for their services. The only question is, which one would you choose?
Originally Written by: R.J. Anderson
