Report: Red Sox focused on Fried after missing out on Snell

The Boston Red Sox are eyeing Max Fried in their efforts to add a frontline starting pitcher, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

The club was linked to Blake Snell before he reportedly signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.

Fried, 30, is a free agent after spending eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves. The lefty was a beacon of consistency during that time, posting a 3.07 ERA (140 ERA+) with a 1.164 WHIP.

He rebounded from an injury-plagued 2023 to pitch the second-most innings (174 1/3) of his career in 2024 and led MLB with two complete games.

Boston's front office has been outspoken about wanting to improve after the club missed the playoffs for a third straight year. The club finished third in the hyper-competitive AL East division last season with an 81-81 record.