Max Fried and Blake Snell: A Comparative Look at Two Elite Southpaws
In the world of Major League Baseball, the scarcity of elite starting pitchers has heightened the attention on Max Fried and Blake Snell, both of whom are expected to draw substantial financial offers. Their records and the contrasting qualities they bring to the mound make them compelling subjects of comparison among fans and analysts alike.
The Consistency of Max Fried
Max Fried's reputation as a reliable and consistent pitcher is supported by his impressive career statistics. With a career ERA+ of 140 across nearly 900 innings, Fried has solidified his status as a stable presence on the mound. As R.J. Anderson noted, "I guess if I had my druthers I would take Fried... he doesn't have the same command-related crater risk." This reflects Fried's ability to maintain control and limit mistakes, a trait highly valued in starting pitchers.
Even in what could be considered his worst season as a full-time starter—a campaign limited to 14 starts due to injury—Fried still posted a WAR of 2.6. This illustrates his ability to make a significant impact even under constrained conditions. Matt Snyder emphasized this point succinctly, stating, "Fried is the much safer option... a much more steady presence." Such consistent performance is a key factor in evaluations of a pitcher's long-term value.
Blake Snell: Highs and Lows
In contrast, Blake Snell's career is a study in variability. A two-time Cy Young award winner, Snell has demonstrated the capacity to be one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. Mike Axisa captured this duality by stating, "When he's on, he's as good as any pitcher in the game... Snell is one of the game's premier bat-missers." Despite his high ceiling, Snell's performance on the mound has been marked by high walk rates and fluctuating WAR outputs.
The primary concern among analysts when it comes to Snell is his command and control. Dayn Perry emphasized this by saying, "it's hard for me to overlook his chronic command-and-control issues." While his ability to miss bats is undeniable, the inconsistency in his command invites risk, making teams carefully weigh the reward against potential liabilities.
Financial Outlook
Despite their differences, both Fried and Snell are expected to navigate a similar financial landscape. R.J. Anderson observed, "I suspect they might have a similar financial outlook based on their ages and track records." With each pitcher offering compelling value in different ways, their contracts could reflect this complexity, combining risk assessments with the scarcity of elite talents in the market.
Conclusion: Safe Bet vs. High-Risk High-Reward
The debate over choosing between Fried and Snell often boils down to philosophical approaches to risk in team building. Fried’s steadiness is appealing to those who prefer predictability, like Matt Snyder, who said, "I like gambling at times, but less so with southpaw pitchers in their 30s. Gimme the safe option in Fried." Meanwhile, Snell's tantalizing potential makes him an attractive option for those willing to roll the dice for a chance at greatness.
As the offseason progresses, the decisions that teams make regarding these two southpaws will not only impact their payrolls but also potentially set the tone for postseason ambitions. Whether one prioritizes steady consistency or is lured by the possibility of dominating performances, the calculus involved in selecting between Fried and Snell will continue to be a defining narrative among baseball’s decision-makers.