Two-time All-Star pitcher Max Fried has reached an agreement with the New York Yankees on an eight-year contract valued at $218 million, marking the highest guarantee ever provided to a left-handed pitcher. This significant deal, awaiting a physical, now stands as the twelfth contract in Yankees history to surpass $100 million, positioning the team ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most seven-figure contracts in Major League Baseball.
The 30-year-old Fried has evolved into one of the premier pitchers in the National League during his seven-year tenure with the Atlanta Braves, posting an impressive 2.81 ERA over the past five seasons — the best among starting pitchers in the majors, just ahead of Corbin Burnes at 2.88. Although Fried doesn’t rely on overpowering hitters, his exceptional skill in managing games and depth into his outings has drawn interest from teams seeking an Opening Day starter, with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers also in the mix before the Yankees secured the signing.
This move comes just two days after the Yankees lost out on outfielder Juan Soto, who signed with their rivals, the Mets, for the largest contract in professional sports history. With Fried added to their roster, the Yankees enhance an already formidable pitching rotation that boasts talents like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Marcus Stroman, among others.
Fried’s $218 million contract eclipses that of David Price’s 2015 deal with the Red Sox, making it the fifth-largest for any pitcher in MLB history. His career has seen ups and downs in postseason play, but he is well-remembered for his remarkable six shutout innings in the Braves’ World Series-clinching Game 6 in 2021. Initially drafted seventh overall in 2012, Fried demonstrated the potential for strong command and spin-heavy pitch performance from early on, with his career unfolding post-Tommy John surgery.
Statistically, over the past five years, Fried ranks highly among pitchers in terms of Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and his ability to mix pitches effectively has allowed him to maintain steady performance. His 2024 season turned in a 3.25 ERA across 174⅓ innings, showcasing his capabilities by striking out 166 batters while limiting home runs.
As Fried embarks on this new chapter with the Yankees, fans can remain optimistic about the team’s prospects for the upcoming seasons, bolstered by strong pitching depth and a talented roster. This signing not only represents a significant win for the Yankees but also signals their commitment to securing top-tier talent as they aim for championship glory in the future.
This exciting development emphasizes the ongoing evolution of Major League Baseball and the increasing financial investments teams are willing to make to create competitive rosters.