On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Blake Snell, making their first major free agency move. With one ace out, the other teams will face battle against the remaining pitchers. The Baltimore Orioles have joined the Yankees and Red Sox in pursuing Max Fried in free agency. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has the latest on the pitching market.
“According to sources, the Yankees, Red Sox and Orioles were all in on Snell prior to his decision to sign with the Dodgers, leaving the three American League East clubs to continue their search for pitching.” Feinsand adds, “The Red Sox and Yankees are known to be targeting a left-handed starter, which may eventually imply a bidding battle between the rivals for Max Fried.”
Corbin Burnes was a fantastic acquisition for the Orioles before to the 2024 season. He was a Cy Young finalist and started the All-Star Game in what could be his final season in Baltimore. According to Feinsand, Burnes’ contract is projected to cost more than Snell’s, which could be prohibitively pricey for Baltimore.
The Yankees and Red Sox both want to add aces to their rotations. After Carlos Rodón faltered in the postseason, the Bombers require a second starter. And Boston is looking to add an opening-day starter. Can the Orioles outbid their rivals?
Orioles looking to add in free agency
The Orioles began last season with great expectations, new ownership, and a young core. While they made the postseason, they were once again held winless in October. They need to strengthen their core while keeping the elite players going until the 2025 season. Pitching is their most pressing need, given what Burnes brought to the table last season.
They have another important free agent in Anthony Santander. The switch-hitting outfielder hit 40 home runs last season but does not play well defensively. While they need to improve around the diamond, they’d be better off keeping Santander for the foreseeable future.
Fried would be an excellent fit for the Orioles, who aren’t concerned about lefties or righties at the top of their rotation. The Braves lefty would be an excellent addition to their rotation, bringing the same enthusiasm that Burnes did on the opposing side. While they could keep their core intact by re-signing Burnes, he may be too expensive.
Whoever does not land Burnes and Fried among these three teams may trade for Garrett Crochet. The White Sox are looking to deal their ace following a 121-loss season. Despite his trade deadline swing and miss, it appears that Crochet will be traded this offseason.
