RADIO
Max Fried 2020 Outlook: Groundball Machine with Strong Secondary Pitches
5 years agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried had a solid rookie season, putting up a 4.02 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with a 24.6 K% and 6.7 BB% in 165.2 IP. Fried really turned it on in the second half, posting a 3.63 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 27.4 K% and 6.5 BB% in 67.0 IP. He's a pitcher who excels at inducing groundballs - his 53.6% ground-ball rate ranked fifth in MLB last season. The sophomore lefty has terrific off-speed stuff; he possesses a nasty curve that allowed a mere .245 wOBA and a 37.9 Whiff% as well as a slider that held hitters to a .240 wOBA and 28.8 Whiff%. Fried also has a fastball with an average velocity of 93.8 MPH to help complete his arsenal. This combination of groundball tendencies, strikeout stuff, and sharp control makes Fried an appealing target in fantasy drafts. Currently entering his age-26 season, Fried has a 145 ADP, behind Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez. Fried has the benefit of pitching in the NL East instead of the AL East, making him the better choice in your draft. He has SP3 upside pitching for a contending team in the Braves and his second-half improvement makes 2020 look like a potential breakout season. Fried is a solid choice at his current value.
