In the realm of pitching, the ongoing comparison between Max Fried and Blake Snell provides a compelling narrative for baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike. Both pitchers, distinguished in their own rights, are primed for sizable financial offers in the near future, owing to their exceptional accomplishments and a scarce pool of elite starters. Yet, while their prospects seem analogous in some respect, their career trajectories and perceptual standings within the baseball community are notably distinct.
Max Fried: The Reliable Workhorse
Max Fried's reputation as a consistent and reliable force on the mound is underpinned by a career ERA+ of 140 over nearly 900 innings. His track record as a starter speaks volumes about his dependability, even in seasons where injuries may have curtailed his innings count. For instance, his lowest WAR during a full-time starting season was still a commendable 2.6, despite being limited to only 14 starts due to injury.
Sports analyst Matt Snyder captures this sentiment succinctly, stating, "Fried is the much safer option... a much more steady presence." This perspective reflects a broader consensus that Fried's stable performance metrics make him a dependable choice for any team seeking a southpaw pitcher. R.J. Anderson echoes this view, suggesting, "I guess if I had my druthers I would take Fried... he doesn't have the same command-related crater risk." Such consistency in command separates Fried from many of his contemporaries, establishing him as a cornerstone pitcher capable of anchoring a rotation.
Blake Snell: High Potential with Variability
On the other hand, Blake Snell offers intriguing variability in his career performance, accompanied by bouts of brilliance. A two-time Cy Young Award winner, Snell possesses a reputation as one of the game's premier bat-missers. This characteristic prowess is highlighted by Mike Axisa, who notes, "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, this promise comes with concerns, particularly around his command and control, which have historically been erratic. Snell's career has been punctuated by high walk rates leading to fluctuating WAR outputs, a factor that tempers enthusiasm. As Dayn Perry articulates, "it's hard for me to overlook his chronic command-and-control issues," adding a layer of unpredictability to Snell's potential impact.
A Contractual Conundrum
Despite their differing career paths and perceptions, both Fried and Snell are likely to encounter similar financial landscapes as they negotiate future contracts. R.J. Anderson speculates, "I suspect they might have a similar financial outlook based on their ages and track records." This expectation arises from the scarcity of elite pitchers like Fried and Snell, which invariably amplifies their market value.
As teams weigh their options, the decision between Fried's reliability and Snell's high ceiling becomes a strategic choice, akin to gambling preferences. Snyder reflects this sentiment, admitting, "I like gambling at times, but less so with southpaw pitchers in their 30s. Gimme the safe option in Fried."
Ultimately, the allure of stability versus potential may dictate the course of negotiations. Fried, with his consistent performance, provides a level of assurance that teams may favor, while the allure of Snell’s higher peak performance offers a tantalizing alternative for those willing to take a chance on his untapped potential.
This ongoing debate between the virtues of steadiness and the appeal of potential underscores the unique place each pitcher holds in the Major League Baseball ecosystem, promising both excitement and intrigue in the seasons to come.