Is Max Fried ready to become even more for Atlanta Braves in 2020

Max Fried took a huge step forward last year for the Atlanta Braves, but can he do it again?

That could very well be the difference for the Atlanta Braves and reaching the postseason again in 2020 or not.

Around this same time last season, we were asking ourselves if Mike Soroka and Max Fried were ready to take control and become the next great pitching duo for the Atlanta Braves.

And make no mistake, both were and are great, but one has to feel as if Max Fried still has a little more to polish off and a little more in the tank to give to the Atlanta Braves.

It’s a good problem to have. I do not want this to come across as a bashing of Fried in any way. I think the kid is ultra-talented and will be the co-ace of the Braves rotations for years with the before mentioned Mike Soroka.

Unfortunately, I think the entire process just has to speed up a bit now because of the upcoming shortened season.

With the way the Braves schedule is aligned, it is no secret that the Braves will be facing tough pitchers almost on a nightly basis. Every night, it’s going to feel like a mini playoff game based solely on the pitching matchups alone.

Examining it from a different perspective, we know how good Mike Soroka is and should be. We also know how good Mike Foltynewicz can be when he is completely on his game (Game 2 of the NLDS last season). We also know how bad it can be when it goes bad as well (That other NLDS game).

Cole Hamels, if healthy, should be a big boost to the rotation, and I also believe he is a perfect guy for Fried to hang around every chance he can…but again, can he stay healthy?

We all also know the trials and tribulations with Sean Newcomb.

All this to prove the point that in 2020, Max Fried is going to be relied upon heavily.

The question now becomes, what can we do to elevate his game even more?