The New York Yankees have entered the 2024 offseason with a clear focus on strengthening their starting rotation, aiming to address the inconsistency that plagued them during the postseason. However, their initial pursuit of Blake Snell ended in disappointment, with the lefty signing a $182 million deal with the Dodgers.
Regardless, the Yankees remain determined to land an elite arm. The front office is now turning its attention to Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, two of the most coveted pitchers in free agency. Securing either of these talents would significantly enhance the Yankees’ chances of contending for a championship in 2025.
Yankees Tilt Attention To Corbin Burnes, Max Freid!
The New York Yankees had expressed strong interest in Blake Snell after his stellar 2024 season with the San Francisco Giants, where he posted a 3.12 ERA over 104 innings. However, the Dodgers’ aggressive $36.4 million average annual value (AAV) offer, coupled with a $52 million signing bonus, made it impossible for the Yanks to match. That being said, with Snell off the table, the Yanks have quickly shifted their focus to Burnes and Fried, both of whom present unique advantages and align with the team’s vision for the future. Corbin Burnes, a former Cy Young Award winner, is coming off a strong 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles. The 31-year-old posted a 2.92 ERA over 194.1 innings.
Burnes is expected to command a six-year deal worth approximately $200 million, with an AAV of $33–$35 million. While this represents a significant financial commitment, the Yankees view Burnes as a reliable partner to Gerrit Cole at the top of the rotation. Max Fried offers another appealing option for the Yankees. The 30-year-old lefty has built a reputation for consistency and command, using his fastball, curveball, and sinker to generate ground balls and weak contact. Fried is projected to seek a contract similar to Burnes’, in the range of $180–$200 million over six years. That said, the Bombers have the financial resources to pursue either Burnes or Fried, especially after missing out on Snell. With approximately $230 million already allocated to their payroll, they could push closer to $300 million to meet their offseason goals. Overall, adding Burnes or Fried would transform the Yankees’ rotation into one of MLB’s most formidable units.
Did the Yanks Really Want Blake Snell? Signs Point to No
The Los Angeles Dodgers made waves this week by signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the New York Yankees had a virtual meeting with Snell on Tuesday afternoon. Just hours later, Snell agreed to terms with the Dodgers.
This timeline suggests that the Yankees either did not prioritize Snell or were unwilling to engage in a bidding war with Los Angeles. Given the Dodgers’ lucrative offer, including a hefty $52 million signing bonus, it’s no surprise Snell and agent Scott Boras felt L.A. was a better fit. Still, the Yanks’ minimal effort contrasts sharply with their supposed urgency to upgrade a rotation.
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