Max Fried is widely regarded as the top left-handed pitcher on the free-agent market, and the Yankees are reportedly making a strong push to secure his services. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Fried is expected to decide on his next team by Thursday, with the Yankees being “all over” him.
Yankees eye Max Fried as free agent decision looms
Rosenthal noted that the Yankees face stiff competition from the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers in what he described as a “tug of war” for the 30-year-old southpaw. Fried has been a standout during his eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, boasting a career 3.07 ERA, a 1.164 WHIP, and 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
In addition to his pitching prowess, Fried has proven to be one of baseball’s best defensive pitchers, winning back-to-back NL Gold Gloves in 2021 and 2022. His reliability is another asset, as he has surpassed 165 innings pitched in four seasons, including three of the past four campaigns.
Adding Fried would bolster a Yankees rotation already headlined by ace Gerrit Cole. The rotation also includes the inconsistent Carlos Rodon, with Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes, and possibly Marcus Stroman rounding out the options. A Fried signing would provide the stability and excellence needed to fortify the Yankees’ pitching staff for a competitive 2025 season.
Pete Alonso unlikely to join Yankees
Despite speculation surrounding free agent Pete Alonso, the Yankees appear to have little interest in pursuing the Mets slugger. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that Alonso “doesn’t appear to be on their radar,” a sentiment echoed by Danny Abriano of SNY on Tuesday.
The lack of interest isn’t surprising. Even with Anthony Rizzo departing in free agency, Alonso doesn’t align with the Yankees’ roster construction. The team already features two right-handed power hitters over 30—Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton—who strike out frequently (171 and 143 strikeouts, respectively, in 2024). Adding Alonso, who struck out 172 times last season, would further limit lineup diversity.
Instead, the Yankees seem focused on other offensive upgrades. They have been linked to free agents like Alex Bregman and Anthony Santander and are reportedly exploring trade options for Cubs first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger. Meanwhile, Alonso’s former team, the Mets, remains interested in bringing him back.
What’s next for the Yankees?
As the Winter Meetings unfold, the Yankees find themselves navigating a turbulent offseason. Juan Soto’s surprising decision to join the Mets dealt a blow to their plans, but the Bombers remain active in pursuit of roster improvements.
While much of the attention has been on starting pitching and bullpen upgrades, don’t rule out a surprise move. Names continue to surface, and the Yankees’ front office may have a few tricks up their sleeve as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.
What do you think the Yankees’ next move should be? Leave your thoughts below!
