Yankees vs. Red Sox: Bidding War for Max Fried Heats Up Amid Juan Soto Pursuit

The New York Yankees are in competition with the Boston Red Sox and others for free agent outfielder Juan Soto. They may also bid against the Red Sox for a top starting pitcher.

Both teams showed interest in left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, who recently signed a five-year deal worth $182 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. MLB insider Mark Feinsand reports that the Yankees and Red Sox want a left-handed starter, suggesting they could enter a bidding war for Max Fried.

Feinsand noted that if either team misses out on Fried, Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox might be a trade option. Jon Heyman from The New York Post reported that the Yankees have talked to Fried and another free agent, Corbin Burnes, but have not made offers yet. Their main focus is on retaining Soto, which could influence their plans for a starting pitcher.

Fried, who played for the Atlanta Braves, is one of the top starters available. He is 31 years old and has been an All-Star twice. He also finished in the top five for the NL Cy Young award twice. If the Yankees do not keep Soto, they could direct their spending to bolster different roster areas. Pairing Fried with ace Gerrit Cole would give them a strong pitching duo.