New York — As the 2025–26 offseason begins, the Yankees are poised to break all transfer records to add to their pitching force — and are poised to outbid the Dodgers for a top-notch “flamethrower” with a whopping $196 million contract. If the deal goes through, the team will have a formidable pitching triangle: Cole – Fried – the new pitcher, enough to shake up the American League.
One of the reasons the Yankees are such a strong contender is the state of their current force: with Aaron Judge cleared to not need surgery, the team can focus all its efforts on the rotation, creating financial space for a big contract.
After the 2025 ALDS loss, Yankees management clearly believes that rotation — not just the offensive lineup — is the key to winning.
Adding a top-notch “flamethrower” to Gerrit Cole and Max Fried — who in 2025 had 19 wins, a 2.86 ERA, and nearly 200 strikeouts in his first season with the Yankees — would be a formidable trio for any lineup — a formidable lever for the Yankees to get back on track for a playoff run — or even a championship.
While attractive, the deal isn’t simple. A $196 million package for a pitcher is a huge investment — with the risk of injury, inconsistent performance, and immense pressure.
Many experts emphasize that if the Yankees put all their money into “pitching the big three,” they also sacrifice depth, reducing the budget for offense or bullpen — which is also necessary for a long campaign.
Not to mention: big pitchers are often closely watched — every pitch, every inning — is scrutinized. A losing streak will shake confidence, and could make Francisco Lindor himself a target of criticism if the lineup doesn’t support him well.
It’s not impossible for the Yankees to “outbid” the Dodgers — but it’s not easy. The Dodgers are still among the teams with the biggest budgets in MLB, with the advantage of brand and history.
Additionally, with free agents and teams in the hunt, signing a “flamethrower” will depend heavily on contracts, bonuses, and deadlines — where the Dodgers can still be competitive.
The Yankees are faced with a bold decision — either a big shot back to the top, or a high-risk double-edged sword. Spending $196 million on a pitcher to create a Cole–Fried–? triangle could make the Bronx a terror for the AL, but it could also be too big a gamble if things don’t go as planned.
The entire MLB is watching — just a phone call, just a request — and the future of the 2026 season could be completely reshaped.
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