San Diego Padres
Yet another California based team that could employ the services of Max Fried. The San Diego Padres have been taking huge steps every year to build an incredible team on both sides of the ball. Martín Pérez will be hitting the free agent market, and you can bet Fried is San Diego's desired replacement for the left-hander.
Adding Max to a rotation featuring Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Yu Darvish would make the Padres harder to beat. Petco Park is also a pitcher-friendly park, a factor Fried could consider. San Diego will have a lot of competition for his services, however,
Texas Rangers
The Rangers are one year removed from winning the World Series, but 2024 went sideways for the World Champions. Texas will face a tough offseason as they have three notable rotation departures. Andrew Heaney, Max Scherzer, and Nathan Eovaldi could all be on their way out the door.
Heaney and Scherzer will be free agents, while Eovaldi has a player option to return if he chooses to. Fried will undoubtedly be one of the pitchers they look to add as they try to find a way back to the postseason in 2025. They aren't shy about offering expensive contracts if they feel the player will help them in the long run. The Rangers are a sleeper team that people should watch during the bidding war for Fried.
New York Yankees
As soon as you read that the Yankees could be a landing spot for Fried, I felt the collective eye rolls on the other side of the screen. However, it needs to be said as they have deep pockets. New York is always in on major free agents every offseason, and Fried will certainly be someone they consider.
They already have a southpaw locked into a decent-sized contract with Carlos Rodon. The only notable Yankees starting pitcher who could leave is Gerrit Cole, as he has an opt-out available unless the Yankees add another year worth $36 million. New York's primary focus will be on their bullpen, as they have four impact arms set to reach free agency. So, Fried may not be on their list of priorities.