Yankees’ pitching FA choices shrink to a few after Snell outpaces them

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In a blockbuster move, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a six-year, $182 million deal. For the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles—three teams reportedly in pursuit of Snell before he opted for Los Angeles—the offseason pitching market has taken a sharp turn with his free-agency exit.

The Dodgers’ acquisition of Blake Snell is a significant win. The 31-year-old left-hander had been among the most sought-after free agents this offseason, thanks to his dominance on the mound and a résumé that includes two Cy Young Awards and a stellar 2023 season.

The focus now shifts to the remaining elite arms available, notably Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, as the battle for top-tier pitching intensifies. With Snell off the market, the dynamics of free-agent negotiations and potential trades are poised to dominate MLB’s hot stove season.

Max Fried: Yankees faces tough competition

For the Yankees and Red Sox, Snell’s signing has added urgency to their respective pursuits of left-handed ace Max Fried. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand recently reported that the two historic rivals are likely to engage in a bidding war for Fried, a two-time All-Star with a proven track record in high-pressure games.

Fried, 31, has been a model of consistency throughout his career, boasting a 3.07 ERA and a 73-36 record over 168 appearances. His postseason success and ability to deliver in critical moments make him a prized asset for any contender.

While the Yankees are primarily focused on retaining superstar slugger Juan Soto, Fried offers an enticing Plan B if Soto departs. Adding Fried to a rotation already featuring Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, and Carlos Rodon would give the Yankees enviable depth and bolster their championship aspirations.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, are equally motivated. After a lackluster stretch in recent years, Boston is eager to make a splash in free agency to signal their return to prominence. Fried could provide the stability and leadership their rotation needs to compete in the ultra-competitive AL East.

Corbin Burnes: Yankees’ second option

Another name generating significant buzz is Corbin Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner. Burnes, 30, has been a model of durability, averaging six innings per start over the past four seasons. His 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles was particularly impressive, as he posted a 2.92 ERA, a 15-9 record, and 181 strikeouts over 194 1/3 innings.

While Burnes’ projected market value exceeds $200 million, his ability to anchor a rotation makes him worth the investment. The Yankees and Red Sox are both expected to explore Burnes as an option, though his price tag may limit the number of serious bidders.

Burnes or Fried for the Yankees?

Max Fried and Corbin Burnes are two of baseball’s premier pitchers, with distinct profiles that highlight their value. Comparing their careers, Fried has demonstrated remarkable consistency, holding a 73-36 record with a 3.07 ERA over 168 appearances (151 starts), accumulating 884 1/3 innings pitched, 863 strikeouts, a 1.164 WHIP, and a 140 ERA+. Burnes, meanwhile, boasts a 60-36 record with a 3.19 ERA across 199 appearances (138 starts), amassing 903 2/3 innings, 1,051 strikeouts, a 1.063 WHIP, and a 129 ERA+.

Fried’s numbers in 2024 highlighted areas of concern. His walk rate climbed to 8%, the highest since 2020, and his 24.1% whiff rate was the lowest since his rookie year in 2017. Additionally, his hard-hit percentage reached 34.6%, the highest since 2019, though he still ranked among the league’s top 20% in this metric.

Burnes, on the other hand, has showcased exceptional durability. Over the past four seasons, he has pitched no fewer than 167 innings each year, averaging six innings per start compared to the league average of five. His 2024 campaign with the Orioles, following a mid-season trade and a one-year, $15.6 million deal, further cemented his reputation. Burnes posted a 2.92 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, a 15-9 record, and 181 strikeouts over 194 1/3 innings in 32 starts. Despite an August slump, he earned his fourth consecutive All-Star selection and finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting. Impressively, he has placed in the top eight for Cy Young honors in each of the past five seasons, winning the award in 2021.

Burnes’ projected free-agent market value, according to SpoTrac, is approximately $180.8 million over six years, reflecting his elite standing in the game.

Fried, who turns 31 in January, brings a more extensive track record than Carlos Rodón had when he secured a six-year, $162 million contract with the Yankees at the same age. While Rodón’s success earned him a substantial payday, Fried’s longer history of consistency positions him as one of the most desirable arms on the market.

Both pitchers present compelling cases for teams in need of ace-level talent. Fried’s steady reliability and Burnes’ combination of durability and dominance ensure that both remain key names in any discussion about elite pitching in MLB.

Should the Yankees try a trade for Garrett Crochet?

If the Yankees or Red Sox miss out on Fried or Burnes, the trade market could offer intriguing alternatives. Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox is emerging as a potential target.

The 25-year-old southpaw had a breakout season in 2024, earning his first All-Star nod after a stellar campaign in which he posted a 3.58 ERA and struck out 209 batters across 146 innings. Known for his blistering fastball and hard-tailing cutter, Crochet has proven his durability and effectiveness as a starter, dispelling early concerns about his transition from the bullpen.

Crochet is still under team control through 2026, but the struggling White Sox may be motivated to trade him for the right package of prospects. For the Yankees, acquiring Crochet would provide a long-term solution to their rotation needs while allowing them to compete immediately.

Yankees navigate tough market

The Dodgers’ signing of Snell has reshaped the offseason landscape, setting the stage for intense negotiations over the remaining elite arms. For the Yankees and Red Sox, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are vying to strengthen their rotations to challenge for supremacy in the AL East and beyond.

As Max Fried and Corbin Burnes weigh their options, the competition for their services will likely escalate into a financial and strategic battle. Meanwhile, the trade market offers an alternate path, with Garrett Crochet among the most attractive targets.

For fans and analysts alike, the MLB offseason is delivering plenty of drama. Whether through record-setting contracts or blockbuster trades, the coming weeks promise to redefine the balance of power across the league.

As the baseball world waits for the next domino to fall, one thing is clear: the offseason arms race is far from over. Whether it’s the Yankees landing Fried, the Red Sox making a bold move for Burnes, or another team emerging as a dark horse, the competition is heating up.

With the Winter Meetings around the corner, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on the high-stakes negotiations that could shape the 2025 MLB season.

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