The Boston Red Sox have the capital needed to land a big fish this winter.
That doesn't mean they have to target a Miami Marlin, but instead one of the top free agents available on the open market.
Boston isn't far from contending in the American League, and adding one more ace-level pitcher could put the club over the top. The Red Sox also could use a left-handed starter with Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito all right-handed.
Blake Snell has gotten most of the headlines heading into free agency, but he isn't the only top-tier left-handed pitcher who will be available this winter. Snell may have the biggest name, but Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried also will be out there and could be a very intriguing option for Boston. He currently is projected to get a deal worth $149 million over six years.
That is a deal Boston can afford and should be very interested in. CBS' Matt Geagan took a look at the roster and looked for ways to improve and suggested that Fried should be an option for Boston.
"Everyone in the rotation would be much better with a true ace leading the charge in the front," Geagan said. "(Craig Breslow) could throw money at the problem in free agency and try to convince the likes of Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, or Jack Flaherty to come lead the staff. Or he would swing a trade for Chicago lefty Garrett Crochet or one of Seattle's many talented starting pitchers. However he does it, Breslow has to add an ace to this staff."
Fried has a career 3.07 ERA in eight seasons with Atlanta. He is a two-time All-Star and would fit in great with Boston.
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New York Yankees star Aaron Judge missed Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with an elbow injury, and the slugger is now headed to the injured list. The Yankees fell 9-4 to the Phillies on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., which marked their third consecutive loss. Judge played in Friday night's 12-5 loss to Philadelphia, but Aaron Boone announced before Saturday's game that Judge was dealing with an "elbow issue" and would sit out. Following his team's latest loss, Boone shared some new information about Judge's injury. Judge has been diagnosed with a flexor strain, but the Yankees believe he can return in less than two weeks. When Judge returns to the lineup, Boone said it will initially be as a designated hitter. Judge is having an outstanding season. He entered Saturday batting .342, which is the best mark in baseball. The reigning American League MVP has 37 home runs, 85 RBI and a 1.160 OPS. The Yankees are now six games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays and fighting to remain atop the wild-card race. It goes without saying that they are hopeful Judge will be able to return as soon as possible.
The Cleveland Browns are giving Shedeur Sanders special treatment in training camp, but it's not the type of favoritism the fifth-round pick would necessarily want. Per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Sanders is the only Browns quarterback who has not been taking reps with the first-team offense during OTAs or the first two practices of training camp. Former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett, veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel have all split reps with the first team. Despite being asked to throw passes to members of the equipment staff amid a shortage of professional pass-catchers for a four-quarterback roster, Sanders said he's thankful for the opportunity to show the Browns coaching staff his talents. "I feel like that it's not in my control, so I'm not going to think about that or even have that in my thought process of why it is," Sanders said to a question as to why he's not getting first-team reps. "There's a lot of people who want to have the opportunity to be at this level, and I'm here and I'm thankful to have the opportunity. So, whenever that is, that is." Sanders, 23, believes that he can contribute more to the Browns than what the coaching staff is asking of him. "It doesn't make me feel down or left out because I know who I am as a person," Sanders said. "I know who I am as an individual and I know what I could bring to this team. So, I can never feel less than any circumstance." The Browns selected Sanders with the No. 144 pick in April's draft. As a player whom many draft analysts thought was a first-round talent, Cleveland took what could be the steal of the draft in the fifth round. It's curious why the Browns aren't giving Sanders a shot with the first team early in training camp before the quarterback race becomes more serious. Cleveland should absolutely see what Sanders has to offer this summer. Flacco, 40, isn't a long-term solution at the position. Pickett failed in Pittsburgh. The Browns need to gauge what rookies Gabriel and Sanders can do with the first team. Having Sanders throw balls to the equipment staff is a waste of everyone's time. But then again, Cleveland has wasted plenty of quarterbacks.
Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
The New York Giants were forced to take a hard look in the mirror after losing a franchise-worst 14 games last season, which followed a 6-11 campaign. When they glanced at their reflection, it had become unrecognizable. Big Blue lost its identity, the same one that instilled pride in its fan base for decades. The team's defensive edge was gone. Yes, Dexter Lawrence II is arguably the best defensive tackle in the league today, and Brian Burns is a reliable contributor on the edge; however, the unit as a collective was lacking the intensity and productivity that define the franchise's best years. General Manager Joe Schoen invested a significant amount of money and draft capital to try to address that problem. The revamped depth chart paints a pretty picture, with analysts and fans alike predicting big things for the Giants' defense. There are still a couple of key question marks, though. And if they are not answered, New York will remain vulnerable against opposing offenses. Although Schoen prioritized the secondary in free agency, I believe the outside cornerback situation is the biggest weak spot at this time. Dru Phillips enjoyed a solid rookie campaign and could quickly establish himself as one of the better slot corners in the NFL, but uncertainty clouds the perimeter. Although modern quarterbacks do not let the ball rip like they used to, having someone who could prevent big plays and shut down top wide receivers is crucial. Paulson Adebo proved himself to be a ball hawk with the New Orleans Saints, and there is growing optimism that former Giants first-round draft pick Deonte Banks can keep his emotions in check and finally break out in his third season. But both of these outside CBs come with drawbacks. Will the cornerback room come through for NY Giants? New York signed Adebo to a $54 million contract, tapping him to be the lockdown corner the squad has been missing. He has found success in zone coverage, a scheme defensive coordinator Shane Bowen loves to employ. There is reason for concern, however. The 26-year-old broke his femur last October. Adebo was moving well during spring workouts and looked ready for the new season, but he could still face physical challenges during in-game action. It is only natural for a player who relies so much on his legs to struggle a bit after suffering such an injury. The Giants think the former Stanford star will shake off the rust and overcome any potential limitations. They made a hefty commitment, in large part because of what he displayed before his season-ending injury. Adebo recorded three interceptions,10 pass breakups, and 43 solo tackles in seven games for the Saints. If he can build on his 2024-25 success, the 2021 third-round draft pick could be an undeniable difference-maker. He has other elements in his game to iron out, though. Adebo finished with a sub-65 coverage grade in three of his four years in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Was the 80.5 mark he posted in 2023 an outlier or a sign of what he can do moving forward? The Giants better hope it is the latter. Even if the notable addition excels with his new team, it is still unclear how Banks will perform. A liability in the secondary can overshadow the overall strength of the group. Experienced and talented QBs will pick apart the weak link. Banks has to show that he is not a soft spot in this defense. He has to remind the organization why it selected him with the 24th overall pick more than two years ago. Until he does, fans are completely justified in expressing skepticism. The polarizing cornerback struggled profusely in zone and recorded a 50.3 coverage grade last season. If he cannot grasp Bowen's system in 2025, management will have a huge decision to make regarding his future with the franchise. Aside from what he does on the gridiron, Banks has to display a positive attitude. A healthy mindset will increase the likelihood of him making strides. Former third-rounder Cor'Dale Flott and rookie Korie Black will also be called upon to log meaningful snaps in the upcoming season. Still, the onus is on Paulson Adebo and Deonte Banks to combat aerial attacks. This duo must take advantage of a potentially ferocious front-seven and make plays when opportunities arise. Otherwise, the Giants' hopes of having an upgraded secondary will just be an unfulfilled promise. And that is a theme fans are sick of by now. What happens next with the NY Giants? Find out! Follow and like us on Facebook. Visit our YouTube channelfor the latest videos. Want to send a question in for our mailbag? You can do so here.
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