Keith: Yankees signing Max Fried the first step towards 'philosophy change'

The Yankees have made their big move in response to losing Juan Soto, as multiple reports say Max Fried is headed to the Bronx on an eight-year, $218 million deal.

It isn’t the same as signing Soto, but Keith McPherson says it’s a start, and the first step towards changing the team’s identity as it moves on with life without one of their superstars from 2024.

“It’s a move. Plan B has started. It’s a pivot,” Keith said. “It’s a philosophy change. Time for Yankee fans to accept that Jan Soto isn’t here, and you have to go from a top tandem to a top team.

“You have to tighten up the screws and get better. There are so many holes you have to fix, and there are only so many holes you can fix in free agency.”

Keith still wants to see the Yankees make a splash for Corbin Burnes, but as his price continues to rise, he doubts the Yanks would commit that much money to the starting rotation in one offseason. But adding Fried does give the Yanks depth at the bottom of the rotation, from which they can trade from to address other roster needs.

“I’m not mad about Max Fried. I’m kind of mad about Max Fried because we signed Carlos Rodon two years ago,” Keith said. “But now we have a guy we can look at and say he’s our lefty ace.

“Somebody’s getting traded. Maybe multiple guys are getting traded.”