Juan Soto apparently isn’t the only top MLB free agent drawing significant interest from the Red Sox.

Soto is obviously the crown jewel of the open market and his highly anticipated decision will have a significant impact on how the rest of the offseason unfolds. Included in that projected ripple effect could be the landing spot for Max Fried, who may be the most coveted free agent starter now that Blake Snell has settled with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“Fried has decided to leave Atlanta, but he is expected to sign with the Yankees or Red Sox,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote in a column published Sunday morning. “If Soto goes to the Mets, Fried could find himself in a nice bidding war between the Red Sox and Yankees.”

The Red Sox were reportedly in contact with Fried during the offseason and he would address a pressing need in Boston. However, the star southpaw reportedly met with the Yankees last week and “really liked” what New York brought to the table.

All in all, Fried is in an excellent location. One way or another he will sign a very expensive long-term contract. And if the race does go to Boston and New York, Fried will be joining a club desperate to have a successful 2025 season.