Max Fried Signing With Yankees Benefits White Sox Immensely

The New York Yankees made a splash this afternoon by signing free agent left-handed pitcher Max Fried to a record-setting eight-year/$218 million contract. It is the largest contract ever for a left-handed pitcher. Fried improves the Yankees rotation immensely. The White Sox also indirectly benefit from Fried's decision to join the Yankees, as Garrett Crochet's robust trade market continues to take shape.

Crochet's Super Affordable Contract

Fried's massive contract reaffirms how team-friendly Crochet's contract is. He will make just $2.9 million in 2025, which is pennies for a pitcher of his caliber. He will also be a bargain in 2026 via arbitration. Crochet's two affordable seasons of control are immensely valuable, and the contracts free agent pitchers are receiving this offseason prove that point. Even an aging pitcher with extensive injury issues in Matthew Boyd signed a two year/$29 million contract earlier this offseason. Crochet's trade value is increasing by the day because of how affordable he is.

Red Sox Must Pivot

Signing Fried likely eliminates the Yankees from the Crochet sweepstakes. However, the Boston Red Sox were also in on Fried and now have to pivot elsewhere after losing out. They are rumored to be interested in fellow free agent pitcher Corbin Burnes as a Plan B. It is unclear how that endeavor will develop, but this sequence of events is playing out nicely for the White Sox. The Red Sox could become increasingly desperate to make a splash and opt to trade for Crochet instead. They have been linked to him all offseason and have arguably the best group of prospects to offer the White Sox. 

Orioles Are Also A Factor

The Yankees signing of Fried could also prompt division rival Baltimore Orioles to make a move. Like the Red Sox, Baltimore is also in on Burnes. The Orioles missing out on him would be a massive blow considering how essential he was to their success last season. Based on their recent history, Baltimore seems less inclined to make a huge splash via trade. However, they cannot be ruled out entirely and have the young talent necessary to obtain Crochet.

White Sox Hold The Cards

From here, the best-case scenario from the White Sox perspective would be for Burnes to sign anywhere that isn't Boston or Baltimore. Burnes going elsewhere would cause those two teams to become increasingly desperate. There aren't many impact pitchers available, especially ones as affordable as Crochet for the next two years. The White Sox hold all the cards here. They have the pitcher multiple teams want. The market is dynamic and can change quickly, but Chris Getz has played his cards right so far by holding onto Crochet and waiting for the other pitcher dominoes to fall.