The Atlanta Braves were decimated by injuries in 2024. They may be healthier in 2025, but they could also lose some key players in free agency. The New York Yankees are suddenly primed to spend after losing Juan Soto and could target one of the Braves starters.

While predicting the Yankees’ next five plays, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted the team would sign Braves All-Star Max Fried.

“Adding Fried to the mix would give the Yankees another top starter who could secure the No. 2 spot in the rotation, making the entire team stronger overall by moving everyone else down a spot,” Reuter wrote.

Fried is a two-time All-Star and had a 3.25 ERA in 2024. He struck out 166 batters in 29 starts. Ultimately, the Yankees saved a total of $700 million by missing out on Soto. They need to be filled across the roster and Fried could be a good place to start. Reuter predicted the Yankees would sign Fried for six years and $150 million. Although the Braves would love to have Fried back, they may not be able to match that offer.

“Since his first full season in the majors in 2019, Fried’s 22.2 WAR ranks fourth among all pitchers, behind only Zack Wheeler (28.7), Cole (26.5) and Max Scherzer (22.3) “Reuter wrote.

The combination of Fried and Gerrit Cole could give the Yankees a real one-two punch at the top of their rotation. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the Yankees have already met with the World Series champion Braves.

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