"Max Fried is a ground ball machine" - MLB insider on Yankees’ $218M deal and the crucial search for a defensive third baseman

The New York Yankees need to acquire a solid defensive third baseman, renowned insider Tom Verducci suggests.

During an appearance on MLB Network published on December 16, Verducci explained how the Yankees’ plan B, signing Max Fried after missing out on Juan Soto, was a coup for the team. Fried was signed on a $218 million deal over eight years last week.

However, the big signing comes with a caveat: as Verducci stated, Fried is a “master of weak contact,” meaning that Fried induces plenty of balls in play, especially on the ground.

Verducci expounded on the point:

"If I'm the Yankees, especially after signing [Max] Fried, I need to make sure I get a really good defender at third base now."

The need for a solid left side of the infield has always been there. But Fried is in the starting rotation now, there is no question that the Yanks must upgrade the left side, especially at third base.

Verducci highlighed the need for an upgrade at third by underscoring:

"Max Fried is a ground ball machine."

This past season, Jazz Chisholm Jr. got the lion’s share of reps at third base. However, Verducci believes that Chisolm is better suited at second, meaning the Yanks will need to find someone who could take over at the hot corner.

With the Hot Stove season just beginning to heat up, there’s no telling what deals the Bronx Bombers could have up their sleeves. But one thing is certain, the Yanks are not done in the offseason.

New York Yankees are a motivated buyer

Verducci made an interesting point regarding the Yankees’ offseason plans. In particular, Verducci called the Yanks a “motivated buyer.”

This last point is crucial as the arms race in the American League East is fierce. The Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are loading up after disappointing seasons. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles are expected to continue building on the fantastic season they had last year.

Then, there are the Tampa Bay Rays who continue racking up wins despite having one of the more modest payrolls in the Majors.

With the Yanks looking to upgrade at third base, names like Alex Bregman, Josh Rojas and Jon Berti could be on the Yanks’ radar. Former Yankee Gio Urshela is also on the market. Perhaps a reunion between Urshela and the Yanks could be on the horizon.

Ultimately, New York is expected to pursue upgrading their club in every way possible.