Brewers legend makes feelings known about Yankees pitching rotation ft. Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon

The New York Yankees buckled up after failing to land Juan Soto this offseason. In hindsight, they have bolstered their starting pitching, much to the pleasure of Brewers Wall of Honoree Dan Plesac, who gave them props for having the best starting pitching in the American League.

The Yankees signed Max Fried to an eight-year $218 million contract on Wednesday, adding a Cy Young caliber arm to their starting corps that includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt.

On Wednesday's episode of MLB Network, Plesac hailed the Yankees rotation after Fried's addition.

"What I like the most about this is there's been light for the Yankees outside of Juan Soto. They've gone out and improved this team," Plesac said. "Fried is a huge addition. Devin Williams is a huge addition to this team right now. They've made a couple of moves that signify the Yankees ... And I don't think they're done yet.

"Now, I don't know where they're going to go. Is it going to be a corner? Is it going to be first? Is it going to be third base? Give credit to Brian Cashman. Have they had a taste of the World Series? It's been a while since they've been back there. But they're at it again. And I'm telling you right now, on paper, I'm going to say this: yes, they probably have the best starting pitching in the AL."

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Dan Plesac assesses Cody Bellinger's addition to the Yankees in place of Juan Soto

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia Phillies - Source: Imagn

A left-handed hitter with the flexibility to play anywhere in the field, Cody Bellinger, provides a lot to his team. Although his power number (18 home runs) was drastically down, if he returns to his old form, which saw him earn an NL MVP with the LA Dodgers, the Yankees would have had a steal from the Chicago Cubs.

On being asked if the Yankees are a better team than in 2024, which had Juan Soto on it, Dan Plesac said:

"You go back to that series against the Guardians—Soto was so impactful. It's hard to say that. But if you could tell me Cody Bellinger is going to be somewhere between the guy he was in 2023 and the guy he was in 2024, I would say yes."

The Yankees have taken a gamble on Cody Bellinger, who carries with him huge salary after signing a three-year $80 million contract with the Cubs last season. To sweeten the deal, the Cubs also send $5 million in cash to the Yankees to manage Bellinger's salary.

Bellinger will like to return to his old form and become a free agent next year after opting out of his contract through player option.