The New York Yankees are working to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto but are also targeting Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried as part of their offseason priorities. Fried, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, has been a reliable starter since 2019, boasting a 71-31 record, a 3.06 ERA, and significant postseason experience, including a role in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series win.
Following Blake Snell’s $182 million deal with the Dodgers, Fried is the top southpaw available in free agency. The Yankees recently held a 90-minute Zoom call with the 30-year-old pitcher, which reportedly went well, with Fried expressing positive impressions. The Yankees are expected to hold another meeting as they compete with other teams, including the Boston Red Sox, in what could become a high-stakes bidding war.
Fried is projected to land a six-year, $156 million deal, though the market dynamics could drive that figure higher. Interested teams are drawn not only to his regular-season dominance but also to his postseason experience, despite his 5.10 playoff ERA.