The Yankees are at a pivotal moment this offseason, and one name that should be at the top of their list is Max Fried. After missing out on Blake Snell, who signed a significant deal with the Dodgers, New York needs to make a decisive move to strengthen their starting rotation. Fried, a left-handed ace with a proven track record, could be the ideal addition to restore balance and dominance to the Bronx.
A Left-Handed Ace for the Rotation Blake Snell’s potential signing would have given the Yankees three left-handed starters, alongside Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes. With Snell now off the market, Fried becomes an even more appealing option. At 31 years old, Fried is in the prime of his career and brings the consistency and excellence that the Yankees desperately need.
Impressive Stats Show His Value In 2024, Fried pitched 174.1 innings with a 3.25 ERA and accumulated 3.4 WAR. He struck out 8.57 batters per nine innings, boasting a 72.5% left-on-base rate and a 58.8% ground ball rate. He allowed only 0.67 home runs per nine innings, an excellent number that highlights his ability to keep the ball in the park. While Fried’s strikeout numbers aren’t as high as Snell’s, he posted an impressive 89th-percentile barrel percentage and 96th-percentile ground ball rate.
His four-seam fastball, curveball, sinker, and change-up allow him to generate weak contact and keep hitters from producing extra-base hits. His fastball averaged 93.9 mph, and batters hit just .266 against it in 2024 with a .360 slugging rate. Fried does a great job limiting hard contact and extra-base hits, which would be crucial in Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions.
Financial Flexibility for the Move Acquiring Fried won’t come cheap, but the Yankees have ways to make it work. Moving Marcus Stroman’s $18.5 million salary could free up significant funds. Stroman’s disappointing 2024 season makes this a potential win-win move. With Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres hitting free agency, the Yankees have already created some payroll flexibility. Investing in Fried would be a smart use of resources, giving them an elite starter without heavily disrupting their budget.
Leadership and Postseason Experience Beyond his on-field performance, Fried offers leadership and a winning mentality. He’s been a key contributor to successful teams and knows what it takes to win in the postseason. With 67 innings of postseason experience, Fried brings invaluable insight and composure under pressure, even if his playoff performances have been inconsistent at times.
The Yankees cannot afford to stand still after missing out on Snell. Fried represents a prime opportunity to upgrade their rotation with a proven ace who aligns with both their short-term and long-term goals. New York’s rotation has been a point of concern, particularly with Rodon’s struggles and discussions around trading Cortes. Adding Fried would not only provide another left-handed arm but also help balance the rotation and bring more experience.
A rotation featuring Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil would be a formidable group capable of competing with any team. Fried’s addition would take some pressure off the other starters and offer the manager more flexibility throughout the season.
