Max Fried Reportedly Offered Deals by Red Sox, Rangers Before Yankees Came Out on Top
The Left-Handed Star
Max Fried, the two-time All-Star pitcher, became the centerpiece of MLB’s offseason as major teams like the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees vied for his signature. With a record-breaking contract for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history on the table, Fried’s saga captured headlines, particularly after the Yankees triumphed over their direct competitors.
Offers From the Red Sox and Rangers
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, both the Red Sox and Rangers presented seven-year offers worth $190 million. However, the Rangers’ offer stood out due to Texas’s state tax advantages, making the $190 million effectively more valuable than Boston’s proposal.
The Red Sox, despite their best efforts, couldn’t sweeten the deal further. Rob Bradford of WEEI noted that Fried might have agreed to join Boston had they offered an eight-year deal worth $218 million—matching the terms eventually proposed by the Yankees.
Boston Red Sox: Last-Ditch Efforts
Although they missed out on Fried, the Red Sox pursued other moves to strengthen their roster. Negotiations for Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox were reportedly in the works. According to Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe, Boston was prepared to trade multiple prospects to seal the deal.
Unfortunately, these efforts couldn’t make up for the loss of Fried to their archrivals, leaving Red Sox fans frustrated as the team once again struggled to land marquee players.
Rangers: Adjusting Their Strategy
Initially, the Rangers hesitated to meet Fried’s financial demands. However, following several Zoom meetings with the pitcher, they adjusted their offer. Despite this, they still fell short of the Yankees’ decisive pitch.
Pivoting quickly, the Rangers signed right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi to a three-year, $75 million deal. Eovaldi is expected to bolster their rotation alongside Jacob deGrom, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
New York Yankees: The Ultimate Winner
After Juan Soto signed a historic 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets, the Yankees shifted focus to Fried. General Manager Brian Cashman prioritized Fried in their offseason plans, employing an aggressive approach that ultimately secured his signature.
This deal not only reinforced the Yankees’ roster but also sent a clear message to their rivals: the Yankees are prepared to make bold investments to maintain their dominance.
Boston Red Sox: A Reflection of the Giants?
Critics argue that the Red Sox are beginning to mirror the San Francisco Giants in the American League, frequently falling short in their pursuit of elite talent. Their interest in Juan Soto, for example, ended with a lukewarm 15-year, $700 million offer, far below what the Mets ultimately paid.
New Faces for the Red Sox
Should the Red Sox finalize a deal for Garrett Crochet, it could provide some relief amid the disappointment of missing out on Fried. However, this move is unlikely to satisfy fans, especially as the Yankees continue to upgrade their roster with big-name acquisitions.
Fried’s Future With the Yankees
Max Fried’s signing marks a significant milestone for the Yankees, who are gearing up for a competitive season ahead. With one of the league’s top pitchers anchoring their rotation, the Yankees are poised to take on the challenges of the upcoming season.
Fried carefully evaluated his options before making his final decision. While the Red Sox and Rangers presented compelling offers, the Yankees’ aggressive strategy and long-term vision ultimately swayed him. This high-stakes race underscores the Yankees’ determination to remain at the top of MLB.
