The Yankees’ backup plan to Juan Soto has begun, reportedly signing Max Fried to an eight-year deal to bolster the top of the rotation behind Gerrit Cole.
In addition to Fried, multiple reports indicate that the Yanks are in on Kyle Tucker if the Astros decide to trade their star outfielder, who is a free agent at the end of next season and likely to command a deal over $300 million.
With the Tucker possibility out there, Brandon Tierney says the Yanks have a chance to become a better team than they were in 2024, even after losing Soto.
“The Yankees have put themselves in a position to have a legitimate conversation and truly pursue one of the best young players in baseball,” BT said. “The Yankees have a chance to have their most unexpectedly smart offseason maybe ever.
“Even the championship when they spent all the money in ’09...there was no real, true calculations of ‘this move will set up that move.’ It was strictly, ‘Here’s the check, join the party.’”
Unlike the spending spree in 2009, the Yanks would be wheeling and dealing in a hypothetical move for Tucker, or Cody Bellinger, or even Garrett Crochet. BT is excited about the possibilities, and if Tucker can become a reality, he sees a Yankee team that would be better than last season.
“There are so many machinations that can happen over the next couple weeks for the Yankees,” BT said.
“Today, I am actually pumped...their team - I stand by this - one through nine, is going to be better than last year’s team. They’re spinning in a very positive direction. Yankee fans should be excited.”