The Yankees bolster their rotation with Max Fried, enhancing their postseason chances while coping with the loss of Juan Soto
New York: The Yankees are making some bold moves after losing Juan Soto, and they just signed Max Fried. This guy is a big deal, and while he won’t replace Soto’s bat, he could be a game-changer come October.
They inked Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, focusing on strengthening their starting rotation instead of rushing to fill the offensive gap. It’s a smart play, especially since Fried is one of the top free agents out there.
Some teams were eager to grab him, but the Yankees acted fast. With Fried on the mound, they’re looking at a rotation that could really shine in the postseason, even if the offense isn’t as strong as it used to be.
One scout compared the situation to a scene from “Moneyball,” where the A’s had to think outside the box to replace big names. The Yankees are doing just that by prioritizing pitching over chasing after a quick fix for their lineup.
Cashman, the Yankees’ GM, knows he needs to boost the offense, but he’s not going to make a hasty move just for the sake of it. Fried’s signing could give them one of the best rotations in baseball, which is crucial for playoff success.
Imagine having Gerrit Cole and Fried as your starters in the playoffs! That’s a solid one-two punch. Plus, they could have Carlos Rodon and either Luis Gil or Clarke Schmidt ready to go, which adds depth to their pitching staff.
Having strong starters can really help in the postseason. If they can go deep into games, it takes pressure off the bullpen, which can get worn out quickly during those intense playoff series.
Fried’s signing has been met with praise across the league. He’s been a consistent performer, with impressive ERAs over the last few seasons. Sure, he’s had some injury issues, but if he stays healthy, he’s going to be a valuable asset.
He’s not a big strikeout guy, but he knows how to get weak contact, which is key. His ability to keep the ball in the park will serve him well in Yankee Stadium, and he’s great at handling pressure situations.
While the price tag is hefty, spreading it over eight years makes it manageable. The Yankees still have room to make moves to improve their offense, possibly looking at players like Christian Walker or Cody Bellinger.
Even though they’ll miss Soto, with Fried in the mix, the Yankees might just have what it takes to stay competitive this season.