Max Fried, a two-time All-Star left-handed pitcher, has reportedly reached an agreement with the New York Yankees for an eight-year contract worth $218 million. This landmark deal marks the largest guarantee ever given to a left-handed pitcher and makes 12 contracts of at least $100 million for the Yankees, surpassing the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most such contracts in MLB history.
At 30 years old, Fried has emerged as a premier pitcher in the National League during his seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves, posting an impressive 2.81 ERA over the last five years. While he may not possess overpowering raw talent, his skillful pitching style and capability to pitch deep into games drew attention from multiple teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers. The Yankees made this move shortly after losing out on star outfielder Juan Soto to the rival New York Mets.
Fried’s addition to the Yankees further strengthens their already formidable pitching rotation, which includes talents such as Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and others. His contract surpasses the previous record set by David Price, who signed for $217 million with the Red Sox, and places Fried fifth all-time for pitcher contracts.
Though Fried’s postseason performances have seen their ups and downs, his six shutout innings in Game 6 of the 2021 World Series remain a standout moment in his career. Drafted seventh overall in 2012, Fried has built a reputation for his exceptional command and ability to effectively mix pitches, particularly utilizing his curveball and slider to outsmart hitters.
The primary question surrounding Fried is whether he can adapt to become a consistently productive starter, as he has yet to reach an innings total beyond 185⅓ in a season. Still, his 3.25 ERA in 2024 and impressive strikeout numbers suggest he is headed in the right direction. With continued dedication and the right strategy, Fried has the potential to solidify his status as one of the top pitchers in the game over the duration of his new contract.
This move not only reaffirms the Yankees’ commitment to winning but also provides an opportunity for Max Fried to continue his ascent in the sport, potentially crafting a legacy as one of the elite left-handed pitchers in baseball history.