DALLAS — The Max Fried sweepstakes seem set to conclude with an AL East tug of warfare between the New York Yankees, Boston Purple Sox and Toronto Blue Jays.
Fried, the highest remaining left-handed starter on the free-agent market, is predicted to decide on his subsequent group by Thursday, in response to major-league sources briefed on the negotiations.
Corbin Burnes, the highest free-agent right-handed starter, is believed to be producing curiosity among the many identical three AL East golf equipment, and maybe the San Francisco Giants and different groups.
The Texas Rangers additionally stay within the combine for Fried, however it’s unclear whether or not they can make investments closely in a free agent whereas awaiting readability on their future native media income.
Fried, a two-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2021 World Collection champion with the Atlanta Braves, is predicted to command a deal of 5 to 6 years. At 30, he’s barely greater than a yr youthful than left-hander Blake Snell, who just lately agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Yankees, contemplating all kinds of rotation, bullpen and lineup choices after dropping the bidding for free-agent outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets, are “throughout” Fried, in response to one supply with data of their discussions. The Blue Jays, who stay determined to make a splash, and Purple Sox, who’re in dire want of a left-handed starter, additionally had been shut out on Soto.
Some membership officers with East Coast groups concern that Fried, a local of Southern California, would favor to signal with a group out west. However of the potential bidders, the Giants usually are not among the many finalists for him, league sources mentioned. Nor are the Los Angeles Angels, who sometimes are a wild card beneath proprietor Arte Moreno.
Fried, an eight-year veteran, has a profession 3.07 ERA in 884 1/3 innings, all with the Braves.
— The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, Will Sammon and Katie Woo contributed to this report.
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(Prime picture of Max Fried: Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Photos)
