DALLAS: Yankees Shift Gears After Soto Loss
So, the New York Yankees have taken a deep breath and decided it’s time to move on after missing out on the Juan Soto sweepstakes. In less than 48 hours post-disappointment, they kicked off their Plan B by signing none other than Max Fried, the former left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. This isn’t just any contract; it’s an eye-watering $218 million over eight years! This colossal deal makes Fried the fourth-largest contract ever for a starting pitcher, and guess what? It’s the biggest ever for a lefty!
The New Face of the Rotation
Fried, who’ll hit the big 3-1 this January, has been a rockstar on the mound. Since the start of 2020, his earned run average (ERA) has been the lowest in baseball. While some pitchers lean heavily on striking people out, Fried is all about finesse. He excels at keeping the ball on the ground and avoids hard contact like it’s his job. Basically, that means he’s got a pretty solid track record and he’s not likely to fall apart anytime soon.
Originally drafted seventh overall in 2012 by the San Diego Padres, Fried made his way over to Atlanta in 2014, as part of the deal for Justin Upton. Fast forward eight seasons with the Braves, and he’s established himself as a go-to guy on the pitching staff with a slick 3.07 ERA over 884.1 innings. Sure, his playoff performances have been a bit hit-or-miss — with a career postseason ERA of 4.90 in 12 starts — but his stand-out moment in the 2021 World Series will go down in the books.
What Does This Mean for the Yankees?
Now, landing Fried is a big deal, but it doesn’t magically replace the void left by Soto. However, it’s a heck of a start. The Yankees have six other starting pitchers already in the mix, including big names like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. So you can expect some reshuffling within the squad.
Let’s be honest; one of these pitchers will probably be packing their bags. Cole is the ace, and Rodón’s contract is hefty, so they’re secure. It’s young guns like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt who might be more desirable in trade talks. Meanwhile, Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes Jr. may need to pack their bags if the Yankees feel they need to clear roster space.
Holes in the Lineup
While Fried boosts the pitching side, the Yankees still have some significant holes in their batting lineup, especially after Soto’s exit. The Yankees are hungry for more bats. They could be looking to fill spots at first base, third base, and the outfield. There are a few intriguing options, such as signing Cody Bellinger, who’s had a solid stint with the Cubs and could thrive in Yankees Stadium. Plus, he has a family tie to the team — his father, Clay, won a World Series with the Yankees!
Another potential target is Teoscar Hernández, who is likely on the radar of both the Dodgers and Red Sox after an impressive season. And then there’s Nolan Arenado, the ten-time Gold Glove third baseman who the Cardinals are reportedly shopping around. If Arenado’s looking to compete, the Yankees could be a perfect landing spot.
First Base Dilemma
Don’t overlook first base — it’s been a glaring need for the Yankees. They might set their sights on Christian Walker, who brings not only serious power but also gold glove-caliber defense. Another route could be veteran Carlos Santana, who might be an economical option with some mileage left in the tank.
Wrapping It Up
You can’t just *replace* a player like Juan Soto — that’s a no-brainer. But the Yankees are clearly ready to keep improving and build something promising. With Cole and Fried at the top of the rotation, the stage is set for a rebound. If they successfully address their offensive weaknesses in the offseason, don’t be surprised if the Yankees come back swinging in 2025!
