MLB Rumors: Two AL East Teams Pursuing Max Fried

The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for an intense offseason pursuit of free-agent left-hander Max Fried, who’s expected to be one of the top pitchers available. 

Both teams view Fried as a game-changing addition to their rotations, with sources noting that Boston, in particular, sees him as a perfect fit. 

“He’s the kind of pitcher that just makes so much sense for Boston,” an insider shared, pointing to Fried’s consistency, ace-level performance, and impressive track record in high-stakes games. 

With an 11-10 record, 3.25 ERA, and 166 strikeouts over 174.1 innings last season, Fried’s ability to lead a staff could be exactly what Boston needs to strengthen its pitching depth, especially since the team lacked a dependable lefty starter in 2024.

The Red Sox are in on Max Fried, according to @JonHeyman.

They are joined by the Orioles and Blue Jays. pic.twitter.com/txRMst0UVj

— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) November 7, 2024

The Blue Jays, meanwhile, view Fried as a critical piece for a bounce-back season after their last-place finish in the AL East. 

While Toronto’s rotation already includes Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt, the team is looking to add Fried’s experience and stability to raise their ceiling in a highly competitive division. 

Known for his stellar defense—he’s a three-time Gold Glove winner—Fried could provide a left-handed anchor that complements Toronto’s largely right-handed rotation. 

Even with young talents like Alek Manoah and prospect Ricky Tiedemann, the Blue Jays appear willing to make a significant investment to bring in a proven veteran who can provide a steady presence as they aim to return to postseason contention.

According to @JonHeyman, the Red Sox are one of the teams in on Max Fried.

“The Orioles, Red Sox and Blue Jays are all in on at least Fried. Boston is looking to upgrade its pitching and they don’t have a lefty, so Fried could make sense.”

Give. It. To. Me. pic.twitter.com/IPqtR1M9ZR

— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) November 7, 2024

The competition between these AL East rivals, as well as interest from the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees, promises to intensify the bidding for Fried, who may be seeking a long-term contract. 

For the Red Sox, signing Fried could establish a powerful one-two punch with recent addition Lucas Giolito, helping them compete more effectively in the division. 

On the other hand, Toronto’s pursuit signals their serious commitment to contending, and landing Fried would give them one of the most balanced rotations in the AL East.

Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images