Yankees rumored to be eyeing Braves’ Max Fried in free agency

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As the offseason approaches, the New York Yankees are reportedly keeping a close eye on one of the top pitchers in the league, Max Fried, whose future with the Atlanta Braves remains uncertain. The left-hander, who has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ rotation since his debut in 2017, is set to become a free agent after the season, sparking speculation about his next destination.

Max Fried linked to Yankees move

Max Fried, who boasts a remarkable 50-22 record and a 2.85 ERA over his eight-year career, has become a hot commodity in the upcoming free-agent market. With two All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves, and a runner-up finish in the 2022 NL Cy Young voting, Fried is expected to draw significant interest from multiple teams, including the Yankees.

The Braves, under the cautious financial management of President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos, have a history of allowing key players to explore free agency rather than committing to large contracts. This approach has led to the departure of stars like Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson in recent years, and it could put Fried on a similar path.

According to Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, the Yankees are among the frontrunners to pursue Fried, alongside other big-market teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“Max Fried is going to be one of the most interesting free agents this offseason,” Kelly noted. “He’s probably a better pitcher when healthy than Aaron Nola, who secured a seven-year, $172 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies last offseason.”

For the Yankees, Max Fried could be the ideal addition to their rotation, particularly given the challenges they faced this season with injuries and inconsistent performances from their starters. However, the Yankees will likely face stiff competition from other suitors, all vying to secure Fried’s talents.

Losing Max Fried would be a significant setback for the Braves, but the organization has a deep pool of pitching talent that might make them reluctant to offer the kind of contract Fried is expected to command. As the offseason approaches, the focus will be on whether the Braves break their pattern of letting stars walk or if they allow another marquee player to slip away.

Yankees fans should keep a close watch on this developing story. If Fried lands in the Bronx, it could be the blockbuster move that reshapes the Yankees’ pitching staff and bolsters their chances heading into the 2025 season.

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