The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox appear set to face off in the competition for Juan Soto, but a new area of rivalry may also emerge. Both teams are seeking a left-handed starting pitcher, and according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, they had shown interest in Blake Snell before he signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Snell now unavailable, Feinsand notes that Max Fried, the top left-handed starter still on the market, could become their next target. However, the Yankees and Red Sox won’t be alone in their pursuit.
The Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, and other AL East teams are also eyeing Fried, as clubs across the league remain eager to strengthen their starting rotations.
Yankees, Red Sox Set to Clash Over Max Fried
If either the Yankees or Red Sox manage to acquire Fried, the other might need to look elsewhere for pitching options. According to Feinsand, one possibility could be Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, who might be available at the right price. Scouts and executives generally view Crochet as a stronger option compared to the remaining left-handed starters on the trade market. Free agents like Sean Manaea, Matthew Boyd, Andrew Heaney, and Jose Quintana are also in the mix.
As an NL executive explained, “Fried and Crochet are in a completely different league. If a team is determined to land a high-impact left-handed starter, they might have to settle for Crochet if they miss out on Fried.”
Buyer Beware
Teams should take note of several potential concerns regarding Fried, one of the top free agents on the market. Renowned as one of the best available, Fried posted an 8% walk rate in 2024, his highest since 2020, marking the second consecutive season of increases in that area. Moreover, his 24.1% whiff rate dropped to its lowest level since his rookie season in 2017.
Another notable metric is Fried’s 34.6% hard-hit rate, his highest since 2019. Although he still ranked in the top 20% of the league in this category, the upward trend is something to keep an eye on.
Contract Comparison
What kind of contract could Fried anticipate? Carlos Rodón, entering free agency at age 30, signed a six-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees. Fried, who turns 31 in January, has a more extensive track record than Rodón did at that stage. Aaron Nola, who inked a seven-year, $172 million contract with the Phillies last year, offers another point of comparison. While Fried might not secure a deal of that length, a five- or six-year contract with an average annual value in the range of $25 million to $28 million seems achievable.
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