Max Fried, a two-time All-Star left-handed pitcher, has signed a significant contract with the New York Yankees worth eight years and $218 million, according to reports. This deal marks the largest guaranteed amount ever for a left-handed pitcher, further solidifying Fried’s value in Major League Baseball.
Pending a physical examination, this contract will become the 12th in Yankees history to exceed $100 million, a figure that now gives the Yankees the record for the most such contracts, surpassing the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fried, who has excelled over seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves, boasts an impressive 2.81 ERA over the past five years – the best among starting pitchers in the majors during that time.
Fried’s pitching style, characterized by his ability to command the mound rather than relying solely on overpowering hitters, has proven attractive to teams seeking an Opening Day starter. The Yankees faced competition for Fried’s services from teams like the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers. His signing comes shortly after outfielder Juan Soto’s departure to the Mets, a deal that was noted as the largest in professional sports history.
With Fried joining a rotation that already features prominent pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, the Yankees are poised for a competitive season ahead. Fried’s new contract surpasses previous records held by pitchers like David Price and Clayton Kershaw, making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in history.
Over the years, Fried has demonstrated remarkable skill, particularly with his curveball and slider, which are considered his most effective pitches despite the average ratings of his fastball. He has consistently been a top performer, ranking third in WAR over the five most recent seasons.
One notable highlight of Fried’s career is his outstanding performance in the World Series-clinching Game 6 in 2021, where he threw six shutout innings. Despite some inconsistencies in postseason play, his postseason history remains a testament to his high-stakes abilities.
As Fried embarks on this new chapter with the Yankees, fans can be hopeful that his talent and experience will help propel the team to new heights in the coming seasons, aligning perfectly with the franchise’s ambition to achieve success in Major League Baseball.
Summary: Max Fried has signed an $218 million, eight-year deal with the New York Yankees, marking the largest guarantee for a left-handed pitcher. Known for his impressive 2.81 ERA over the last five seasons, Fried joins a strong pitching rotation, making this a hopeful and ambitious move for the Yankees as they look to enhance their competitiveness in upcoming seasons.