Max Fried’s decision about pitching in the World Baseball Classic is bad news for USA Baseball fans yet should come as a relief to fans of the New York Yankees. According to Jack Curry of YES Network,

The manager went on to say that swingman Ryan Yarbrough, re-signed earlier this offseason, gives the Yankees “protection,” while “a handful of guys” at or close to Triple-A “are kind of getting close to being factors,” if only on a “limited basis.” Boone didn’t specify who, but top-100 prospect Elmer Rodríguez is one candidate.

Despite a flurry of new additions to the USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the pitching staff remains very light on talent in part because one prominent starter turned down an invite.

The New York Yankees have emerged as the leading candidate to sign one of the top starting pitchers in free agency.

One of the stars of the New York Yankees will not be participating in the World Baseball Classic. Pitcher Max Fried was invited by Team USA manager Mark

Max Fried, who earned All-Star honors and won a Gold Glove in his first season with the Yankees, is the early frontrunner to start Opening Day against the San Francisco Giants. Fried finished his first Yankees season with a 2.86 ERA and a league-leading 19 wins in 195 1/3 innings.

The New York Yankees got in just under the wire of the international signing deadline with an 18-year-old southpaw strikeout pitcher.

The New York Yankees are seemingly one of the top landing spots for international free agent Tatsuya Imai this winter.