It’s Max Fried time. The Yankees made a $218 million pivot statement as they moved to offseason Plan B after losing Juan Soto. Nothing will completely fill the void on the team in 2025, but they have to start somewhere, and Fried is a strong pitcher to move to the top of the rotation. Christian Walker next? Or any first baseman? (Please not Pete Alonso. It says “Not so bad” Chris Davis on it.)

Today we have our running tracker on the website for all the rumors about the Winter Meetings as we reach the third day. John will take your temperature on the signing of Max Fried and Peter will analyze the payroll impact of signing Fried. David will also consider 2023 All-Star closer Carlos Estévez, departed with the Phillies and Angels, as a free agent target, and Peter will become Will’s semi-Scranton shuttle starter in his 2024 season Warren return. Madison will also cover the Rule 5 Draft, which begins at 2 p.m. ET.

Questions/Suggestions:

1. I asked this question last week, but since it’s clear that pitching contracts are even more complicated than first expected, would you rather have Fried on his deal or Corbin Burnes on the likely more expensive contract he gets?

2. Which of the following three contracts surprised you the most so far: Nathan Eovaldi gets $75 million, Luis Severino gets $67 million, or Yusei Kikuchi gets $63 million?