Max Fried vs. Blake Snell: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Elite Pitchers
In the ever-competitive world of Major League Baseball, pitching remains a cornerstone of a team's success. Two pitchers currently at the forefront of discussions regarding elite starting talent are Max Fried and Blake Snell. Both have carved out impressive careers but bring distinctly different elements to the mound, impacting how teams and analysts view their potential and financial value in the years ahead.
Max Fried stands out for his consistency and reliability. With a career ERA+ of 140 across almost 900 innings, Fried has demonstrated a level of performance that not only sets him apart from many of his contemporaries but also makes him a valuable asset on any pitching rotation. R.J. Anderson aptly notes, "Fried doesn't have the same command-related crater risk," which speaks to Fried's sustainability and consistent control on the mound. This reliability is further highlighted by the fact that even in a season marred by injury, which saw him limited to just 14 starts, Fried managed to post a respectable WAR of 2.6. Such metrics underscore why many view Fried as a dependable option.
Blake Snell, on the other hand, presents an intriguing contrast. Having won two Cy Young awards, Snell's excellence is unquestionable when he's on his game. Mike Axisa captures this sentiment, 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." Snell's capability to dominate hitters is unrivaled, yet his performances have been sporadic, often hindered by high walk rates and inconsistent WAR outputs. His chronic command-and-control issues are a source of concern, as Dayn Perry observes, "it's hard for me to overlook his chronic command-and-control issues."
As both pitchers face the prospect of future contracts, their market values become a subject of speculation. Despite their differences, R.J. Anderson speculates that "they might have a similar financial outlook based on their ages and track records." This suggests that when the time comes, both Fried and Snell will likely command significant financial attention from teams in need of top-tier pitching.
When evaluating which pitcher to potentially pursue, Matt Snyder leans towards Fried, describing him as "the much safer option... a much more steady presence." Snyder's preference for stability over variability reflects a broader sentiment within the baseball fraternity. Fried is perceived as less of a gamble, offering consistent performance with fewer risks associated with command-related issues, unlike Snell, who, despite his high ceiling, presents potential pitfalls due to his inconsistency.
Even with his impressive achievements, Snell's variability makes teams cautious. As Anderson remarks, "Gimme the safe option in Fried," pointing out a hesitation to gamble on the unpredictability Snell brings, especially when considering the prospects of investing in southpaw pitchers as they enter their 30s.
Ultimately, the decision of investing in Max Fried versus Blake Snell boils down to a preference between conservative reliability and high-risk, high-reward potential. Teams with the appetite for risk and an ability to absorb variances in performance might lean towards Snell, hoping to capture the magic that led him to multiple Cy Young awards. Conversely, teams seeking a solid, consistent presence to anchor their rotation might find Fried’s consistent track record more appealing, offering a steadier alternative amidst the unpredictable nature of baseball pitching.
Both pitchers, in their unique ways, bring immense value and excitement to the game. Whether through Fried’s steady performance or Snell’s electrifying dominance, they continue to be pivotal figures in the baseball world, each game highlighting the intrinsic value and delicate complexity of pitching at the highest level.