EXCLUSIVE: Atlanta Braves insider Chris Dimino on what the team's future could look like: "Do I think Max Fried is here in three years? I don't"
The Atlanta Braves will be one of the top teams in the National League in 2023, but the team is still facing some challenges. They have extremely high competition not just within the league, but even within their own division. The Braves are a team built to win now, while having a solid core of young players that can be built around for the future.
After winning the 2021 World Series, expectations will stay sky high for the Atlanta Braves. They are a powerhouse organization in the MLB and anything less than a strong playoff run will be seen as a disappointment. The team will have some long-term questions to answer that will need to be dealt with soon.
Insider Chris Dimino shared in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda what hurdles the team will face:
"Max Fried is the big one around here…Dave Roberts called him the best lefty in baseball last year, which is something... Alex Anthopoulos isn't a big long year guy for pitchers and at 30 years old, are they going to let him run it out and then go we'll see if we can keep him or not."
Dimino continued:
"I don't think Max Fried is tied to Atlanta. He's a Los Angeles kid. The Dodgers at a certain point when Kershaw goes away and something else will happen, they'll have money. Do I think Max Fried is here in three years? I don't. I think he's gone.
Dimino added:
"But I think you’re going to get the best out of him over the next two years to ensure he gets paid the way he’s supposed to get paid."
Despite having a strong roster, Dimino pointed out issues with the minor league system:
"Bad news is the Braves don't really have a minor league system that anybody likes. The good news? Nobody cares… So I'm a big guy on prospects for parades. I want the givens. It's probably why I couldn't be a general manager because I'd be like, 'What do you want? I need that guy. Take what you want.'"
The Atlanta Braves have shown a strong ability to develop players, exemplified by the 2022 Rookie of the Year Michael Harris.
The @Braves Rookie of the Year is inspiring the next generation.
Stream "Michael Harris II: The Dream and the Journey" here: atmlb.com/3xaKZBu https://t.co/eQcQzkELRC
The Atlanta Braves will have a tough battle for the National League East crown in 2023.
Are the Atlanta Braves the best National League team?
The NL is incredibly stacked coming into 2023. The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are all bona fide contenders.
One word to describe this photo: Epic. https://t.co/vJnejpM6mN
Even up against those star-studded rosters, the Atlanta Braves more than hold their own. This highlight package from YouTube showcases the talent that will make 2023 an exciting year for the Braves.
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