Multiple reports indicate that Max Fried is attracting interest from the Dodgers, Giants, Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, and Orioles, with several other teams likely in the mix. Many of these same clubs are also rumored to be pursuing Orioles ace Corbin Burnes, who is widely regarded as the top free-agent pitcher available this offseason.

However, Fried is far from just a fallback option for teams that miss out on Burnes. Since 2019, he has established himself as one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in the game, and his signing will undoubtedly delight whichever fan base lands him.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes that Toronto would be the ideal destination for Fried, calling it the perfect move for the Blue Jays. Interestingly, Braves fans might find it an appealing scenario too, as long as Fried doesn’t end up with division rivals like the Dodgers, Mets, or Phillies. For Atlanta fans, anywhere outside of those teams would be considered a win.

While I personally favor the Red Sox as the ideal destination for Max Fried—aside from the Braves—the Blue Jays aren’t far behind. Boston appears poised to return to big spending and contention, and few fan bases in baseball rival the passion and loyalty of Red Sox supporters.

The Orioles would also rank highly on my list. Baltimore’s young, dynamic team is just entering its championship window, and with no direct rivalry with Atlanta, it feels like a natural fit. That said, the Blue Jays tick many of the same boxes as the Orioles.

One concern with Toronto, however, is the state of their championship window. While Baltimore’s is just beginning, some might argue that Toronto’s window is closing—or even already shut. It would be disappointing to see Fried join a team that risks becoming a bottom-feeder in the competitive AL East over the next several years.