BREAKING: Yankees ‘expected’ to land star lefty pitcher with left-handed ace as top priority
The New York Yankees’ offseason plans are beginning to take form, with left-handed ace Max Fried emerging as a top priority. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Fried is “expected” to sign with either the Yankees or their longtime rivals, the Boston Red Sox.
The competition for the All-Star pitcher is intensifying, with Fried’s next contract projected to exceed $200 million over a six- or seven-year term. As the bidding war heats up, Fried’s decision could significantly impact the balance of power in the AL East.
A Lefty Ace to Pair with Cole
Max Fried, 30, has established himself as one of MLB’s most reliable and dominant left-handed starters. In 2024, he showcased his elite skills over 174.1 innings, posting an impressive 3.25 ERA. Fried struck out 8.57 batters per nine innings, maintained a 72.5% left-on-base rate, and generated an outstanding 58.8% ground-ball rate. His performance translated to a 3.4 WAR season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier pitchers and making him a highly sought-after ace.
Durability is another hallmark of Fried’s career. He has surpassed 165 innings in three of the past four seasons, underscoring his ability to handle a heavy workload with remarkable consistency. His elite command and knack for inducing ground balls would make him an excellent addition to the Yankees’ rotation, forming a formidable one-two punch with Gerrit Cole and significantly enhancing their pitching depth.
Yankees vs. Red Sox: The Bidding War
Bob Nightengale’s report indicates that the Yankees and Red Sox may find themselves in a heated bidding war for Max Fried, especially if Juan Soto ends up signing with the Mets. Nightengale notes:
“The only drama is whether Fried signs before Corbin Burnes, or waits for Burnes to set the market,” Bob Nightengale writes. “Fried has priced himself out of Atlanta, but he’s expected to land with either the Yankees or Red Sox. If Juan Soto signs with the Mets, Fried could benefit from a fierce bidding war between Boston and New York.”
The Yankees have already held a Zoom meeting with Max Fried, which reportedly went “very well.” Landing Fried would not only fortify the Yankees’ rotation but also deliver a significant setback to their AL East rivals in Boston. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are in dire need of top-tier pitching and are expected to make a strong push to outbid the Yankees and secure Fried’s services.
The Cost of an Ace
Max Fried’s projected contract, expected to surpass $200 million, underscores the premium value of elite pitching in today’s market. A seven-year deal would carry an average annual value of $28.6 million, highlighting the high demand for durable, proven left-handed starters. With their financial resources, the Yankees are well-equipped to outbid the Red Sox if the competition for Fried intensifies.