New York Yankees Sign Max Fried to Record-Breaking Deal
The New York Yankees have secured a formidable addition to their pitching lineup with the signing of left-handed pitcher Max Fried. The Yankees have agreed to an eight-year, $218 million contract, placing Fried at the pinnacle of earnings for left-handed pitchers in Major League Baseball history.
Fried's acquisition marks a significant addition to an already potent Yankees' pitching rotation. Joining the ranks alongside stars like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, Fried looks set to bolster a team that defied all odds last season to claim both the American League East title and the American League pennant. The Yankees' rotation delivered commendable performances, with Carlos Rodón leading with 32 starts, followed closely by Nestor Cortes with 30 starts and Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil each making 29 starts. Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt also contributed valuably with 17 and 16 starts, respectively.
Fried's credentials are impressive, to say the least. Having played a pivotal role in the Atlanta Braves' triumphant 2021 World Series campaign, Fried was instrumental in sealing the championship in Game 6 against the Houston Astros. His brilliant performance included striking out six batters across six shutout innings, underlining his reputation as a reliable and formidable pitcher on the big stage.
Over the past few years, Fried has consistently proven his worth. From 2020 to 2023, he maintained an impressive 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings pitched, establishing himself as one of the elite pitchers in the league. In 2024, he continued his excellent form with a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts and 174 ⅓ innings. Additionally, he generated nearly 60% ground balls for two consecutive years, demonstrating his ability to dominate and control games effectively. Last season, Fried ranked in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity, attesting to his skill in limiting hard hits.
The journey of Max Fried to the Yankees traces back to December 2014 when he was initially acquired by the Atlanta Braves from the San Diego Padres in a trade involving Justin Upton. Over time, Fried developed into a key player for the Braves, culminating in his indispensable role in their World Series victory.
As Fried departs Atlanta, the team will receive a compensation draft pick following the fourth round. Although his departure marks the end of an era for the Braves, it opens a new chapter for Fried and the Yankees as he brings his talent to the Bronx.
Fried's move to New York not only enhances the Yankees' rotation but also reshapes the landscape of Major League Baseball's free agent market. Recognized as the fifth-best free agent of the offseason as well as the third-best pitcher, he follows only behind fellow aces Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. This signing solidifies the Yankees' intentions to remain competitive, aiming for further success in the postseason.
For the Yankees, this acquisition underscores a commitment to building a championship-caliber team with a blend of seasoned experience and top-tier talent. Max Fried joins the roster as a player who, with his impressive record and tremendous potential, could be a game-changer for the team in the years to come.