The New York Yankees have reconfigured their roster for the 2025 season, betting heavily on left-handed pitcher Max Fried and star Cody Bellinger. These hires come after the snub of Juan Soto, who decided to sign with the Mets for a juicy $765 million contract.
The Yankees’ response has been forceful: strengthen the pitching and add offensive power with two big names. But will these additions be enough to return the franchise to prominence?
The arrival of Max Fried: An ace with risks
The most striking move is the hiring of left-handed pitcher Max Fried, who signed a $218 million contract for 8 years, the largest for a left-handed pitcher in Major League history. Fried joins from the Atlanta Braves, where he built a track record of success that includes two All-Star Game appearances and a World Series title in 2021.
Contract: $20 million signing bonus; $12 million in 2025 and 2026, followed by $29 million annually over the past six years.
Recent Stats: Fried, 30, has a career ERA of 3.03 and has proven to be a dominant pitcher when healthy.
However, his injury history cannot be ignored. Fried has been on the disabled list 10 times since 2018, including at least one absence each season. The Yankees, who suffered from the inconsistencies of Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón in 2024, are taking a calculated risk with Fried. If he can stay healthy, he will form one of the most feared rotations in the league with Cole.
Cody Bellinger: Offensive power with Yankee heritage
On the other hand, the Yankees acquired outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, in a trade that also included $5 million in favor of New York. Bellinger, son of former player Clay Bellinger (champion with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000), arrives with high expectations to reinforce the Bronx offense.
Contract: Bellinger has a $27.5 million player option in 2025 and a $25 million player option in 2026.
Recent Performance: In 2024, Bellinger batted .266 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs in 130 games. His end to the season was impressive, driving in 33 runs in the final 39 games.
The former National League MVP in 2019 with the Dodgers, when he hit 47 home runs, has shown a recovery in his performance after difficult years. Additionally, his versatility to play center field and first base offers the Yankees added defensive depth.
Devin Williams: an elite closer
Another key addition is closer Devin Williams, acquired from the Brewers in a trade that included Nestor Cortes and prospect Caleb Durbin. A two-time All-Star, Williams is one of MLB’s most dominant relievers with a career 1.98 ERA.
With this move, the Yankees shore up their bullpen, an area that had been exposed last season. Williams brings stability and experience in the ninth inning, a crucial factor in modern baseball.
The impact of these hires
The Yankees’ decision to bet on Fried, Bellinger and Williams makes clear their commitment to competing in 2025, despite the hard blow of losing Juan Soto to the Mets.
Strengths:
A solid rotation with Fried, Cole and Rodón.
Offensive improvements with Bellinger, who combines power and defensive versatility.
A reliable closer in Devin Williams.
Risks:
Max Fried’s health and his long contract.
Reliance on Bellinger’s resurgence to maintain his performance.
Conclusion
The New York Yankees did not sit idly by after losing Juan Soto. With the arrivals of Max Fried, Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams, they have strengthened key areas of the team. If Fried can stay healthy and Bellinger returns to his best version, the Yankees will once again be serious contenders for the World Series in 2025.
Are these moves enough to surpass their American League rivals and return glory to the Bronx? Only time will tell.
