Braves news: updates on Acuña and Strider, Fried qualifying offer, and two front office hiring

### Braves News Update: Acuña, Strider, Fried, and Front Office Hires

The Atlanta Braves have been making headlines recently with updates on key players Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, as well as a major decision regarding Max Fried’s contract status and changes to their front office.

#### Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider’s Award Prospects

The Braves’ MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. is continuing to make waves after an extraordinary season in which he became the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season. Acuña’s unprecedented production has kept him firmly in the running for the National League MVP award, with many pundits and fans predicting he will take home the honor. Acuña’s dynamic presence in the Braves’ lineup has been a major factor in the team’s offensive success, and his health will remain a critical element as Atlanta looks to contend in the postseason.

Meanwhile, Spencer Strider, who has emerged as one of the top pitchers in the NL, is also making a case for postseason accolades. The right-hander has been dominant throughout the season, boasting a high strikeout rate and consistently keeping opposing batters off balance. Strider’s success has helped solidify the Braves’ pitching rotation, and he is likely to be in the running for NL Cy Young honors. The combination of Acuña and Strider is a key reason why Atlanta is viewed as one of the most complete teams in the league heading into the postseason.

#### Max Fried’s Qualifying Offer

The Braves face a significant decision regarding left-handed starter Max Fried, who is slated to become a free agent after the 2024 season. Fried, a crucial part of Atlanta’s pitching staff, has been with the team since his 2017 debut and has played an integral role in the Braves’ success, including their 2021 World Series victory. The Braves must decide whether to offer Fried a qualifying offer, which is a one-year contract extension worth the average of the top 125 contracts in MLB.

Offering Fried the qualifying offer would allow the Braves to retain some control over his future while potentially negotiating a longer-term extension. However, if Fried declines the offer and signs with another team, the Braves would receive a draft pick compensation, which could be crucial for their future roster construction. There is speculation that the Braves would prefer to work out a long-term deal with Fried, but the qualifying offer remains a significant consideration in the offseason.

#### Front Office Hires

In off-the-field news, the Braves made two important hires to their front office. Atlanta brought in **David Sterns** as the team’s new Vice President of Baseball Operations. Sterns, who previously served as the general manager for the Milwaukee Brewers, is known for his shrewd moves in player development, analytics, and overall roster construction. His expertise is expected to complement the Braves’ existing front office and provide additional insight into how the team can improve in key areas during the offseason.

Additionally, **Rachel Nichols**, a rising star in the baseball operations world, was hired as the Braves’ new Assistant General Manager. Nichols is known for her innovative approaches to player evaluation and her background in both scouting and data analysis. She is considered one of the brightest minds in baseball and her hiring is seen as a step toward strengthening the Braves’ commitment to blending traditional scouting with modern analytics.

These front office hires signal that Atlanta is committed to building upon its recent success and continuing to be a competitive force in the National League for years to come.

### Conclusion

The Braves are heading into the postseason with a solid foundation, thanks in part to star performances from Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. The team’s offseason will likely revolve around making decisions on Max Fried’s contract and further strengthening the roster, both with player acquisitions and continued front office leadership. With the new hires and the growing excitement surrounding their key players, the Braves are poised for continued success.