Mets Linked to Rival All-Star Pitcher Projected to Sign $162 Million Deal
The New York Mets made a legitimate effort to land starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on a $300-plus million deal this winter. But when he chose to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York opted for short-term deals in free agency. That could change next winter. Might they be focused on Atlanta Braves hurler Max Fried?
It’s a possibility, according to Eric Cole of FanSided’s The House That Hank Built. He mentioned three teams that could “steal away” Fried from Atlanta when he becomes a free agent. The Mets were one of those squads.
“It is possible that Fried’s history with the Braves in the division could make him somewhat reluctant to sign with a hated division rival,” Cole said. “However, it is also possible that the Mets would LOVE to both bolster their rotation and weaken the Braves at the same time. If that is the case, Fried could end up getting an offer he can’t refuse.”
Fried is set to hit free agency in November after making $15 million in 2024 with the Braves. Spotrac has pegged his annual market value at $27.1 million. They’re projecting a six-year, $162.6 million deal for the southpaw. The Athletic’s Tim Britton also looked at what a potential extension could be valued at. He landed on seven years and $195 million.
Fried’s Standing in Next Winter’s Rotation Market Just Shifted
Next winter’s free agent starting rotation market is stacked with talent. Philadelphia Phillies hurler Zack Wheeler was among the top hurlers expected to be available, but that’s no longer the case. He and the Phillies just agreed to a three-year, $126 million extension to remain in the City of Brotherly Love.
That changes the very top of the rotation market and where Fried lands among the most attractive hurlers. Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes is viewed as the best impending free-agent pitcher, per CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson. But with Wheeler no longer available, Fried moves up to the second-best option.
