The Yankees are hoping to re-sign Juan Soto, but they are also leaving other options open to bolster their squad as the competition for the standout outfield player draws to a close.
With a Soto decision anticipated to be made in the coming days, if not at the Winter Meetings in Dallas next week, backup plans are beginning to take shape.
Both starting pitcher Max Fried and infielder Willy Adames, two of the best players in the group immediately below Soto on the free agent market, are targets for the Yankees.
On Wednesday night, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com speculated that Adames might be an option for the Yankees. Adames has already been mentioned by the Yankees this offseason as a possible answer to their winter infield woes.On The Michael Kay Show on Wednesday, broadcaster Michael Kay revealed that Fried and the Yankees had a fruitful Zoom call.
According to Fiensand, the Yankees could maintain Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base and move Anthony Volpe to second base by signing Adames to play shortstop. Adames being moved to third would be the alternative. Although the free agent would love to remain at shortstop, he is open to switching positions if the circumstances and financial incentives are favorable.
The Yankees would then put Chisholm at second or maybe center field if Adames went to third. Prior to the Yankees acquiring Chisholm at the trade deadline this past summer, he played up the middle for the Marlins.
Adames, 29, just reached new career highs with 161 games played, 32 home runs, 112 RBI, and 21 stolen bases during his time with the Brewers. Fans of the Yankees will recall Adames from his time with the division-rival Rays during his first four years in Major League Baseball. Adames can play well at shortstop or move to a different position on the infield because he is also renowned for his excellent defense.
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After eight years with the Braves, Fried, 30, is starting his ninth season in the major leagues. In 2024, he made 29 starts with a 3.25 ERA and was selected to his second All-Star Game. Fried has made 112 starts since 2020 and is 54-25 with a 2.81 ERA. When it comes to keeping the ball on the ground and creating weak contact, the left-hander is the best.
According to reports, the Yankees’ 90-minute Zoom chat with Max Fried yesterday, Kaysaidon Wednesday, went rather well. On the Zoom call were all the usual suspects. Max really liked them, according to someone on the Fried side, and it looks like they’re going to meet again.
The Yankees will have plenty of money to spend if they can’t bring Soto back because the competition is fierce and contract offers from the other teams are reportedly already over the $600 million mark. In any case, the Yankees must fix their shortcomings this winter. If the Yankees are successful in keeping Soto, it’s uncertain if Adames, Fried, and other costly free agents may still be included in the team’s offseason budget.
You may contact Max Goodman at [email protected].
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