The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox rivalry is as old as it gets. However, this time they aren’t just fighting it out on the field but off it too. One player both the teams are hell-bent on is Juan Soto. But not all of Boston’s effort is going to one place, as they are looking to improve the entire roster. The Red Sox are eyeing Max Fried, as they need someone for starting pitching, and left starters are preferred. Plus, given that Fried’s old team, the Atlanta Braves, don’t want to overspend on Fried, the Red Sox have a clear leeway. Well, if it were only that easy to clinch someone great!

Jon Heyman of the New York Post has predicted that Max Fried would land a $166 million contract. Plus, he gave the names of these teams that would be interested- “The Yankees, Red Sox, Jays, Orioles, Mets, Cubs, Giants, and his hometown Dodgers are probable players.” And he was right! Because Michael Kay just reported that the Bronx Yankees are for sure coming for Max Fried. This off-season is getting more interesting each day!

The NY Yankees coming for Max Fried

While the Yankees wait for Soto’s decision, they have begun kicking the tires of other top agents in the market, like Max Fried. Michael Kay revealed on the show that the Yankees had a 90-minute Zoom meeting with Fried. According to Michael Kay, someone close to Max mentioned that he really, really liked the team, and a new meeting is in the works even.

For the New York Yankees, adding Fried to the rotation that includes Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, Gerrit Cole, and Luis Gil could be a game-changer. Fried posted a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 29 starts. Plus, he is 30 years old and also a two-time All-Star, and he finished as a runner-up for the Cy Young Award in 2022. Adding Max Fried will only solidify the pitching depth of the team.

Same for the Boston Red Sox. Having Lucas Giolito due in 2025, they want an elite-level starting rotation. Fried would be great for the team and can help to stabilize the pitching staff, but clearly, there is too much competition.

Boston Red Sox’ chances with Juan Soto heating up!

Juan Soto’s free agency saga is coming to its final stages. Ken Rosenthal reported that Soto was in the process of eliminating the teams. Now this comes after the teams have offered him upwards of $600 million. While some teams are bracing for a wave of sadness and disappointment, for now, the Boston Red Sox can relax. The Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox haven’t been cut off Soto’s list yet. The Red Sox instead are a strong contender. Meanwhile, fans of the Yankees have little to worry about!

Gabrielle Staar of the Boston Herald mentioned that there was growing tension at the Yankee camp. “I’ve heard that the Yankees are more stressed about the Red Sox than they ever thought that they would be in the Soto sweepstakes,” mentioned Staar at the Foul Territory podcast. This is what even Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media had mentioned: the Yankees need not worry about their cross-town rivals but Boston.

As Juan Soto’s decision looms, the battle between the two heavyweight teams is only intensifying. What do you think? Who will end up clinching Juan Soto? Let us know in the comments.