The Yankees kick off their offseason with a blockbuster deal for Max Fried, raising questions about their next strategic moves to strengthen the team.
DALLAS: The New York Yankees are not the type to just sit back and sulk. Just two days after missing out on Juan Soto, they jumped into action with Plan B. Their first move? Signing Max Fried to an impressive eight-year, $218 million contract. This deal is a big deal—it’s the fourth-largest ever for a starting pitcher and the biggest for a lefty in MLB history.
Fried, who will turn 31 in January, has the lowest ERA in baseball since 2020. He’s not just about strikeouts; he’s great at avoiding hard hits and getting ground balls. His control is top-notch, making him a solid addition to the Yankees’ rotation.
Originally drafted by the Padres, Fried was traded to the Braves and has been a reliable pitcher for them. He leaves Atlanta with a stellar 3.07 ERA over 884 innings. However, his playoff performance has been a mixed bag, with a 4.90 ERA in postseason games. It’ll be interesting to see how he handles the pressure at Yankee Stadium.
For the Yankees, bringing in Fried is a significant shift. While it won’t erase the disappointment of losing Soto, it’s a strong start. They need to fill the gap left by Soto, and Fried’s signing is a step in the right direction.
However, adding Fried means the Yankees will likely need to trade one of their existing pitchers. They already have six starters, including Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, so someone will have to go. Cole is safe, and Rodón’s contract is hefty, making him hard to move. Young pitchers like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt could be attractive trade options.
On the offensive side, the Yankees have a lot of work to do. They need to fill the gaps in their lineup, especially after Soto’s exit. Assuming key players like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are back, they’ll need to add three more hitters, likely at first base, third base, and in the outfield.
In the outfield, they might consider trading for Cody Bellinger from the Cubs. He’s had a solid comeback and could thrive in Yankee Stadium. Another option is free agent Teoscar Hernández, who had a great season with the Dodgers.
For third base, Nolan Arenado from the Cardinals could be a fit, but he has a no-trade clause, so it’s up to him. The Yankees might also look at adding a power hitter for first base, like Christian Walker, who has a great defensive record and big-time power.
While they can’t replace Soto directly, the Yankees are making moves to improve. With Fried joining Cole at the top of the rotation, they’re setting themselves up for a better 2025 season, even without Soto.