The New York Yankees Secure Ace Max Fried with Historic Contract
In a blockbuster move that reshapes the landscape of Major League Baseball pitching, the New York Yankees have announced an unprecedented eight-year, $218 million deal with left-handed pitcher Max Fried. This landmark contract sets a new financial benchmark for left-handed pitchers across the league, further bolstering the Yankees' formidable rotation.
Max Fried, the 2021 World Series hero for the Atlanta Braves, has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the mound. During the decisive Game 6 against the Houston Astros, Fried delivered a standout performance, striking out six batters and keeping the opposing team scoreless over six innings. His contributions were instrumental in securing the Braves' championship title, cementing his status as a key player in high-pressure situations.
Fried's stellar record extends well beyond that championship game. From 2020 to 2023, he maintained an impressive 2.66 ERA across nearly 500 innings pitched, establishing himself as one of the most reliable starters in the league. In the 2024 season, Fried posted a solid 3.25 ERA over 29 starts and 174 ⅓ innings, reinforcing his reputation for consistency and durability. His ability to generate ground balls—nearly 60% over the past two years—along with ranking in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity, underscores his skill in controlling the game.
Originally acquired by the Braves in a trade for Justin Upton with the San Diego Padres in December 2014, Fried's journey to the Yankees marks the culmination of an impressive career trajectory. His departure from Atlanta grants the team a compensation draft pick after the fourth round, providing a small solace for the loss of such a formidable arm.
Fried joins a Yankees' rotation that is already rich with talent. Notably, the roster includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. The Yankees' rotation was pivotal in their success last season, helping secure the American League East title and the American League pennant. In 2024, Carlos Rodón led the group with 32 starts, closely followed by Nestor Cortes with 30 starts. Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil each contributed with 29 starts, while Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt added significant depth with 17 and 16 starts respectively.
The addition of Fried not only strengthens the Yankees' pitching staff but also positions them as a formidable contender in the upcoming seasons. His signing as the fifth-best free agent available this offseason, and the third-best pitcher behind only Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, underscores the Yankees' commitment to remaining at the top of Major League Baseball. This acquisition sends a powerful message to the league: the Yankees are all in on chasing more championships.
As the Yankees integrate Fried into their lineup, the baseball world watches closely. His historical contract and proven track record on the mound promise to add even more excitement to an already dynamic team. With Fried now donning the pinstripes, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this star-studded rotation will perform in the seasons to come.