The Yankees’ offseason focus on re-signing Juan Soto has taken center stage in the Bronx, but the team is also exploring other free-agent options. This week, they held a 90-minute meeting with longtime Braves left-hander Max Fried, as first reported by YES Network’s Michael Kay. The discussions reportedly went well, and another meeting is expected. Mike Puma and Joel Sherman of the New York Post confirmed the meeting, noting that GM Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone, pitching coach Matt Blake, and several other Yankees officials were present. Additionally, the Yankees met with Corbin Burnes late last month.
Soto remains the Yankees’ top priority, but signing him to a deal that could exceed $600 million makes it unlikely they would also commit over $150 million to Fried or Burnes. However, it’s prudent for the Yankees to prepare backup plans in case Soto signs elsewhere. Acquiring a top-tier starting pitcher and addressing other lineup needs could be part of their strategy. The team has also been linked to infielder Willy Adames, who has expressed flexibility to play third or second base.
The Yankees already have a pricey rotation, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman set to earn a combined $81 million next season. Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt are projected to make $7.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively, while Rookie of the Year Luis Gil remains in his pre-arbitration years. Rumors suggest the Yankees might trade Stroman or Cortes this offseason, especially if they add a high-caliber pitcher like Fried or Burnes.
Either Fried or Burnes would join Cole at the top of a potentially dominant Yankees rotation. Signing one of them would cost the Yankees two draft picks and $1 million in international bonus pool space, a relatively minor price for such talent.
Fried, turning 31 in January, has posted a 2.81 ERA over 659 innings since 2020, ranking third among qualified starters in that span. While he doesn’t rely on strikeouts (23.6% rate over the past five years), his excellent command (6.3% walk rate) and ability to limit hard contact and generate ground balls make him one of the game’s most reliable starters. Despite minor injuries in 2023 and 2024, Fried has been durable overall.
Burnes, who recently turned 30, has been a workhorse, ranking third in innings pitched over the past five seasons with a 2.88 ERA in that time. After a successful season with the Orioles in 2024, Burnes demonstrated his ability to excel against AL East competition, posting a 2.92 ERA over 194 1/3 innings. Like Fried, his strikeout rate has declined to around league average, but he compensates with strong command and solid contact management.
Burnes is expected to secure the largest contract among pitchers this offseason, thanks to his blend of durability and performance. Fried, meanwhile, is likely to land a deal exceeding the $162 million the Yankees gave Rodón two years ago.
The Yankees’ current payroll sits around $230 million, just below the luxury tax threshold, but additional moves will push them into tax territory for a fourth consecutive season. Managing partner Hal Steinbrenner has acknowledged the challenges of maintaining such a high payroll long-term, but for now, the Yankees seem prepared to continue spending heavily to remain competitive.B
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