Two Aces in the Spotlight: Fried and Snell
The debate over who reigns supreme among today's elite pitchers is ongoing, with two names consistently surfacing: Max Fried and Blake Snell. Both pitchers have carved out impressive careers thus far, yet they stand apart with unique strengths and weaknesses that fuel the discussion of who to choose as a top pick for any team's rotation.
Max Fried: The Unwavering Beacon of Consistency
Max Fried has established himself as a model of reliability on the mound. Across almost 900 innings, Fried's career ERA+ stands at a formidable 140. His performance isn't just consistent; it’s remarkably steady, even in the face of adversity. For instance, Fried's worst season as a full-time starter saw him earn a respectable 2.6 WAR, despite being limited to just 14 starts due to injury.
This consistency is largely why Fried is often seen as the safer bet between the two. Matt Snyder articulates this sentiment well, stating, "Fried is the much safer option... a much more steady presence." The consensus seems to be that Fried's command and control make him less prone to unexpected downturns in performance. As R.J. Anderson puts it, "Fried... doesn't have the same command-related crater risk," a quality undoubtedly coveted by managers and general managers alike.
Blake Snell: The Electrifying Talent with Peaks and Valleys
Meanwhile, Blake Snell's career has been marked by exhilarating highs and occasionally frustrating lows. Snell boasts two Cy Young awards to his name, which is a testament to his ability when he is at the top of his game. According to Mike Axisa, "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, despite reaching the zenith of pitching accolades, Snell's seasons have sometimes been clouded by high walk rates and varying WAR outcomes. This variability makes him a more unpredictable choice. Dayn Perry captures this element of Snell's game by noting, "it's hard for me to overlook his chronic command-and-control issues." It's a trade-off between the potential for brilliance and the risk of inconsistency.
The Financial Stakes and Team Strategy
Despite their differences, both Fried and Snell are anticipated to command substantial financial offers. Their ages and track records suggest they might encounter similar markets come contract negotiation time. This could lead to intriguing team strategies, depending on what a franchise values more: the reliable craftsmanship of Fried or the often untapped potential of Snell.
R.J. Anderson hints at this financial outlook, noting, "I suspect they might have a similar financial outlook based on their ages and track records." This outlook could see teams weighing their willingness to gamble on southpaws in their prime. Matt Snyder provides an insight into this decision-making process: "I like gambling at times, but less so with southpaw pitchers in their 30s. Gimme the safe option in Fried."
A Legacy in the Making
As Fried and Snell continue to define their legacies, the debate over who is the superior pitcher is likely to persist. Fried offers the promise of dependability, a trait that can anchor a rotation through the ups and downs of a lengthy season. In contrast, Snell offers the thrill of potential, the kind that can single-handedly dominate games when he's at his peak.
For now, both pitchers stand as testament to their exceptional talents. Whether a team values the security of a steady ace or the excitement of a dominant, if inconsistent, talent, the choice between Max Fried and Blake Snell remains a fascinating puzzle for fans and executives alike. As the whispers of future contracts begin to surface, it will be interesting to see who takes the safer path and who decides to spin the wheel of potential.