The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are deep in a bidding war of legendary proportions. Juan Soto is a lock for one of the most expensive contracts in MLB history, and he could very well become a Red Sox or Yankee for life.
But the teams' Soto pursuits will not be the last time they cross paths this offseason. Boston needs an ace — and maybe even more pitching reinforcements — to catapult it back into relevance in the American League East. It's been linked to some of the biggest names on the free agency and trade market, but now New York has joined them.
The Yankees have been linked to both Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, two aces the Red Sox have targeted since near the 2024 season's end. Boston's rotation needs much more help than New York's, as it boasts the talents of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes.
On MLB Network's "Hot Stove," Matt Vasgersian reported that the Yankees conversed with Burnes "right when the season ended." Neither he nor co-host Harold Reynolds gave a timeline on their interest in Fried, but the Yankees were interested in lefty Blake Snell before he signed with the Dodgers, which could mean Fried is their "Plan B," although that's not confirmed.
Yankees linked to two Red Sox free agent targets, Corbin Burnes and Max Fried
The Yankees have reportedly spoken to free agent starters Max Fried and Corbin Burnes and could "swing big" for Willy Adames if they don't sign Juan Soto. pic.twitter.com/CSGklJearg
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 5, 2024
Burnes and Fried are arguably the two best pitchers available in free agency this winter, and either one would take Boston's rotation to the next level. Either hurler could also make New York's pitching staff one of the most dangerous in the league.
Burnes posted a 2.92 ERA with 181 strikeouts and 48 walks over 194.1 with the Orioles last season. Fried clocked a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks across 174.1 frames in what could be his final season with the Braves, where he's spent his entire eight-year career.
Fried would probably be the ace better suited to the Red Sox's needs, as he'd be the only lefty in the rotation if they signed him. Burnes would also be an excellent get, and with the amount of money the Sox have committed to potentially signing Soto, they could have both pitchers.
The Sox and Yankees are both still in on Soto, but the outfielder is expected to decide on his future team in a matter of days. If New York gets Soto, his contract could severely cut into their pitching budget and leave Fried and Burnes out for Boston's taking.
If the Yankees or Red Sox don't get Soto, the two teams will likely have another bidding war or two in the near future.