Before the New York Yankees signed left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, the Athletics were reportedly among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of him.

It is unclear if the A’s ever made an official offer to Max Fried and, if they did, what the contract terms were, but we can speculate that the offer was made if the A’s were “one of the most aggressive teams” in pursuit of the dominant lefty.

This news comes just five days after the A’s uncharacteristically spent big money and signed right-hander Luis Severino to the biggest deal in franchise history: a three-year $67 million deal.

So, the question has to be asked: if the A’s are reportedly willing to pursue one of the best pitchers on the market, what is their next move?

The A’s are after starting pitching, with some of the bigger names off the market, who could they go after next? Sean Manaea was rumored to be an A’s target before they pivoted to Severino, and with Manaea still unsigned, they could resume their pursuit. Corbin Burnes and Jack Flaherty sure seemed like “unrealistic” targets before the news of Fried. The Athletics could pivot and make a splash landing another top right-handed pitcher.

Nick Pivetta and Trevor Williams are interesting right-handed pitchers who performed well in 2024 before their injuries. The A’s may be able to sign one of them to a short-term contract, like Severino’s, and have a solid one-two punch leading their rotation.

The A’s want to up their payroll to around $100 million, and after the Severino deal and projected arbitration contracts, the payroll sits at around $78.44 million. If the A’s seriously want to get their payroll near $100 million, they have a good chunk of money to offer to free agents. They’ll also have incentive to reach that magical number.

While pitching is the biggest need for the A’s, they have some holes in the lineup and on the field. Eventually, they will have to make some upgrades there as well, and they have a lot of options in free agency.

ATLANTA – A moped driver has died in a crash overnight in northeast Atlanta.

Police say the crash happened just before midnight on Tuesday on North Highland Avenue near Adair Avenue.

According to investigators, the man was driving erratically when a car struck him near the intersection.

The driver of the car stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, officers tell FOX 5.

Police have not released the moped driver’s identity and are working to contact his next of kin.

Officials have not said whether any charges will be filed in connection with the deadly crash.

The Atlanta Braves are almost definitely going to be saying some tough goodbyes this winter.

Following a 2024 season that was derailed by injuries to star players, the Braves are looking to reload their roster without breaking the bank. Ronald Acuña Jr., Spencer Strider, and Austin Riley should all be back, which means Atlanta can hypothetically afford to let others walk.

Lost in the injury shuffle somewhat was reliable left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, who underwent hip surgery in September. The eight-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Braves so far, contributing some crucial innings to Atlanta’ 2021 World Series run.

Now, Minter is a free agent, and despite all the fond memories he and the Braves share, it doesn’t seem as though a reunion is anything close to a guarantee.

Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicted that Minter would sign with the New York Yankees, who are known for getting the most out of their relief pitching talent, on a two-year, $16 million contract.

“With a 3.28 ERA and 10.9 K/9 in 384 career appearances, Minter has been a reliable lefty bullpen option throughout an eight-year career spent entirely in Atlanta,” Reuter said.

“The 31-year-old missed the final month and a half of the 2024 season after undergoing hip surgery, but he is expected to be ready for Opening Day. He would give the Yankees a much-needed southpaw with high-leverage experience.”

Minter has been fantastic in the postseason, which might be when the Braves would miss him the most. He has a 2.88 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 25 career postseason innings, punching out 36 of the 102 playoff hitters he has faced.

The Yankees simply may have more urgency to make any and all free-agent signings than the Braves do at this point, after losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets. That could mean Minter is donning pinstripes instead of navy and red by Opening Day.

More MLB: Braves predicted to land $45 million World Series hero to replace Max Fried