How losing Juan Soto to Mets in record $765 million has woken Yankees up ft. $218 million blockbuster deal for Max Fried
Hell hath no fury like a Yankee scorned. This is certainly what the Bronx Bombers have embodied in the past week. After missing out on the biggest free agent this year — former one-and-done star Juan Soto – the New York Yankees front office has seemingly awakened from its deep slumber and has made a series of splash signings ahead of 2025.
General Manager Brian Cashman and his colleagues have wasted no time in signing three premiere talents, including a former MVP. The baseball executive handed out an eight-year, $218 million deal to left-hander Max Fried, which was the richest contract for a lefty in MLB history and the fourth amongst all hurlers.
"Dominant to the Max." #RepBX - @ New York Yankees
The two-time All-Star and former World Series champion will be tasked to provide a 1-2 punch with ace Gerrit Cole on the top of the Bombers' lineup. Having been one of the best pitching teams in the past half-decade, the Yanks and Fried seem to be a match made in heaven as the latter owns the lowest ERA amongst all pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched since 2020.
After bolstering their starting rotation, the team's front office immediately addressed the void left by Juan Soto in the outfield. The Yankees shipped off Cody Poteet and cash considerations in exchange for former National League MVP Cody Bellinger.
"Yankees reportedly acquire OF/1B Cody Bellinger from the Cubs, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JohnHeyman." - @ MLB
It is also reported that captain Aaron Judge will move back to his usual right field position which he vacated in 2024 to accommodate Juan Soto. Bellinger will play center field for the Bombers and based on projections, will bat in the clean-up spot.
Despite his short MLB career, Bellinger has amassed a plethora of awards including his aforementioned MVP and World Series accolades, two All-Star selections, an All-MLB First Team selection, two Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, a Comeback Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors.
Yankees add 2-time NL Reliever of the Year
Juan Soto wasn't the only player that the Bronx-based Yankees lost to the Queens-based Mets, closer Clay Holmes also chose to swap allegiance when he signed a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets. Holmes went 3-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 30 saves during the 2024 season.
The Bombers countered this by trading for Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams with Nestor Cortes Jr. and Caleb Durbin heading to Wisconsin.
Known for his nasty slider, Williams posted 14 saves in 2024 despite missing half of the season due to an injury. The righty closer has compiled a 1.25 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 22 regular season appearances.
He had a productive six years with Milwaukee. He was named the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, was selected to the All-Star Game twice and was the NL Reliever of the Year twice.
With the fear of being left behind and a World Series-contending window beckoning, it's refreshing for fans to see the Yankees making the necessary moves to make a return trip to the Fall Classic next season.
What do you think of the New York Yankees' latest signings in response to losing out on Juan Soto? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.