Max Fried, a talented left-handed pitcher and two-time All-Star, has officially agreed to an impressive eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees. This deal, pending a physical examination, marks the largest guarantee ever given to a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball history. With this signing, the Yankees have broken their tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making this the 12th contract valued at over $100 million awarded by the franchise.
At 30 years old, Fried has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the National League during his seven-year tenure with the Atlanta Braves, exemplified by a remarkable 2.81 ERA over the last five seasons—the best among all MLB starting pitchers. Although he may not possess the most overpowering arsenal, Fried’s expertise in commanding the ball and his endurance on the mound have made him highly desirable as a potential Opening Day starter.
The Yankees’ move to acquire Fried comes shortly after the departure of outfielder Juan Soto to the Mets, who signed the largest contract in sports history. In joining the Yankees, Fried strengthens a rotation that features remarkable talent, including Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman.
Fried’s $218 million deal surpasses the previous record set by David Price, who signed with the Red Sox for $217 million in 2015. Alongside Price and Clayton Kershaw, Fried now becomes part of an exclusive group of left-handers who have received contracts worth $200 million or more.
Although Fried’s postseason performances have fluctuated in the past, supporters remember his outstanding six shutout innings that led the Braves to a World Series championship in 2021. Originally drafted as the 7th overall pick in 2012, he came to Atlanta after enduring challenges, including Tommy John surgery early in his career.
With Fried’s 2023 season showcasing a 3.25 ERA over 174⅓ innings and leading MLB with two complete games, Yankees fans are hopeful he will further solidify his place as one of baseball’s elite pitchers. His consistency, evinced by his year-by-year ERAs—2.25, 3.04, 2.48, and 2.55 over the last four seasons—demonstrates promising potential for his future in New York.
In summary, Max Fried’s new contract with the Yankees signifies a bold move by the franchise to reinforce its pitching staff, particularly after recent high-profile departures. As fans look forward to his contributions, Fried’s proven track record and skill set may pave the way for the Yankees to return to championship contention in the coming years.