Yankees Target Max Fried in Free Agency to Bolster Rotation

The New York Yankees are anticipated to be major players in this year's MLB free agency. While the baseball community awaits Juan Soto's decision, the Yankees have already started exploring other top free agents.

According to Michael Kay on The Michael Kay Show, the Yankees had a productive 90-minute Zoom call with left-handed pitcher Max Fried. Kay reported that sources close to Fried indicated he "really, really" liked the team and that another meeting is already in the works. Fried, who is 30 years old, has spent the last eight years with the Atlanta Braves. Over 168 career appearances, including 151 starts, he has compiled a 3.07 ERA, an 8.8 K/9 rate, and 73 wins. He is a two-time All-Star and was the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award in 2022.

In the previous season, Fried made 29 starts and posted a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks over 174 1/3 innings, marking his fifth consecutive season with an ERA below 3.50.

From the Yankees' perspective, Fried is an appealing candidate. He is widely regarded as one of the top pitchers available in free agency and would significantly enhance their starting rotation, which currently includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil.

​As the Yankees continue their pursuit of top talent, the potential addition of Fried could be a key move to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.