Max Fried, a talented left-handed pitcher and two-time All-Star, has reached an agreement with the New York Yankees on an impressive eight-year, $218 million contract. This deal sets a new record as the largest guaranteed contract for a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball history, solidifying Fried’s status among the elite in the sport.
Pending a physical examination, this contract marks the 12th agreement worth over $100 million in Yankees’ history, surpassing the Los Angeles Dodgers to claim the top spot for most such contracts among teams. At 30 years old, Fried is coming off a successful seven-year run with the Atlanta Braves, where he established himself with a stellar 2.81 ERA over the last five seasons—ranking him first in the major leagues, just ahead of noted peers like Corbin Burnes.
Fried’s adept ability to navigate through games and secure wins, despite not having overpowering velocity, made him an appealing option for the Yankees, particularly following the recent departure of outfielder Juan Soto to the Mets. He faced competition for his signature from other MLB teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers.
With this new contract, Fried steps into a formidable Yankees pitching rotation that includes stars such as Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Marcus Stroman. Notably, his $218 million deal eclipses the previous record held by David Price, who signed with the Red Sox for $217 million in 2015, making Fried one of only three left-handed pitchers to land contracts worth over $200 million.
Fried’s journey has been notable, especially his pivotal contributions during the Braves’ 2021 World Series victory where he delivered six shutout innings in the decisive Game 6. His pitching repertoire features a dominant curveball and slider, while his fastball has been rated as below average, yet his impressive command and pitch mixing have made him successful.
A primary concern for Fried will be ensuring consistent durability and production on the mound. In 2024, he posted a commendable 3.25 ERA over 174⅓ innings, which highlighted his potential as a valuable rotation asset for the Yankees.
This contract reflects not only Fried’s individual achievements but also the Yankees’ commitment to building a competitive roster. As he embarks on this new chapter, Fried’s adaptability and skill set could further enhance his legacy and propel the Yankees toward success in the coming seasons.
Overall, the optimistic outlook surrounding Fried’s talent and the deepening Yankees rotation promises exciting prospects for fans, fostering anticipation for what’s to come in future seasons.