The New York Yankees are reportedly eyeing several high-profile pitchers in the free agent market, including Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell, though it remains uncertain if they can secure both a top pitcher and Juan Soto simultaneously.
Additionally, the Yankees have shown interest in left-hander Sean Manaea, who recently turned down a qualifying offer from the Mets valued at $21.05 million. This follows Manaea’s decision to opt out of a contract that would have paid him $13.5 million next season.
According to analysts, Manaea’s free agency decision reflects confidence in his strong second-half performance last season, where he recorded a career-best 3.47 ERA in seasons with ten or more starts. His improvement, largely credited to adjustments in his mechanics, carried over into the postseason and it attracted the Yankees’ attention. However, advanced metrics such as xERA (3.75) suggest a possible regression for 2025. Despite this, Manaea’s recent success is expected to draw significant interest from multiple teams this offseason.
Yankees eye Dodgers free-agent ace
While the Yankees’ offseason pursuit of Juan Soto has captured much attention, industry analysts point out that pitching remains a top priority as New York looks to reinforce its rotation behind Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon.
Cole, who recently opted to retain his existing four-year, $144 million contract, offers a strong anchor. Yet, experts stress the need for additional reliable arms if the Yankees hope to sustain a deep postseason run. Sources reveal that New York was close to acquiring right-hander Jack Flaherty at the trade deadline but ultimately backed away due to concerns about his medical history. Flaherty instead landed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB Trade Rumors analyst Darrah McDonald projects that the Yankees may revisit Flaherty with a four-year, $115 million offer, spurred by his solid World Series showing. Insiders suggest a rotation comprising Cole, Flaherty, and Rodon could be potent if all stay healthy, with promising pitchers Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil filling out the back end.
Flaherty’s recent stats underscore his value: a 13-7 record across 28 starts with a 3.17 ERA, 194 strikeouts, 38 walks, and a 1.07 WHIP over 162 innings. While a major Soto contract could impact the Yankees’ spending power, analysts indicate Flaherty remains a primary offseason target as the Yankees consider their options.
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