Yankees linked as early fit to sign Braves All-Star in free agency

How the New York Yankees go about the upcoming offseason will be determined by the biggest storyline in free agency.

The Juan Soto sweepstakes are going to dominate the headlines and until they conclude, it's likely going to be difficult for the Yankees to make any splash moves on the open market.

However, there are other needs on the roster going into the offseason. Fortifying the starting rotation will be among the key objectives.

In projecting a list of stars playing for a new team in 2025, Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report believes the Yankees are a fit to sign Atlanta Braves All-Star lefty Max Fried.

"[Fried's] going to decline a qualifying offer the Braves inevitably give him this offseason and search for a deal of at least five years. And there's little doubt he is worth that type of commitment if you feel comfortable about him staying healthy," wrote Kelly. "Among the teams that could make sense as suitors are the Yankees, Orioles, Astros, Cubs, Mets and Dodgers."

The Yankees are projected free up just over $106 million, which includes the $31 million from Soto's record arbitration agreement.

Given that Soto is likely to command above $50 million annually on his new deal, the Yankees will be a bit limited in what they can do.

Spotrac currently projects Fried to be valued for a deal of six years worth $130 million, coming out to $21.7 million per season.

An All-Star in 2024, Fried is coming off another strong season. Entering Friday, he's 8-7 with. 3.50 ERA in 23 starts across 133.2 innings. The southpaw has a 3.38 FIP to go along with 126 strikeouts and 46 walks.

The Yankees have some questions in the starting rotation behind Gerrit Cole, but making a splash like Fried would certainly ease the concerns going into 2025.

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