Max Fried Joins New York Yankees with Historic Contract
In a significant move that has sent ripples through Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees have secured an eight-year, $218 million contract with left-handed pitcher Max Fried. This acquisition not only strengthens the Yankees' formidable pitching rotation but also sets a record, making Fried the highest-paid left-handed pitcher in MLB history.
Fried, who played a pivotal role in the Atlanta Braves' victory during the 2021 World Series, is no stranger to performing on the grandest stages. His exceptional performance in Game 6, where he silenced the Houston Astros' hitters over six shutout innings and struck out six batters, was instrumental in clinching the championship for Atlanta.
Performance and Stats: Fried's Journey
Over the past few years, Fried has established himself as a top-tier pitcher in the league. From 2020 to 2023, Fried maintained an impressive 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings. His 2024 season saw him pitch to a respectable 3.25 ERA across 29 starts and 174 ⅓ innings, reaffirming his consistency on the mound. Fried's ability to generate ground balls—nearly 60% for two consecutive years—and his ranking in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity further underscore his prowess as a pitcher.
Fried's journey to becoming a Yankee began back in December 2014 when he was acquired by the Braves in a trade with the San Diego Padres for Justin Upton. His departure from Atlanta will yield the Braves a compensation draft pick following the fourth round, marking the end of an era for the team.
Boosting the Yankees' Rotation
Fried's entrance into the Yankees' rotation adds a new dimension to a pitching lineup already brimming with talent. He joins forces with other top-tier pitchers, including Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. Last season, this rotation was instrumental in securing the American League East title as well as the American League pennant, showcasing commendable performances across the board.
In 2024, Carlos Rodón led the charge with 32 starts, followed closely by Nestor Cortes, who delivered 30 robust starts. Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil each contributed 29 starts, while Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt made significant impacts with 17 and 16 starts, respectively. This depth in their rotation underscores the Yankees’ strategy of building a dominant pitching force capable of competing against any lineup.
Fried Among the Top Free Agents
Entering the offseason, Max Fried was recognized as the fifth-best free agent overall and the third-best pitcher available, trailing only behind Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. His acquisition by the Yankees is a testament to his desirability and skill on the mound, reflecting the team’s commitment to enhancing their roster in pursuit of further championships.
The Yankees' strategic move to secure Fried highlights their intention to not only maintain their status as perennial contenders but also to reinforce a powerful pitching rotation. With his track record and potential for even further growth, Fried seems poised to thrive under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium.
The upcoming MLB season will be one to watch as Max Fried dons the pinstripes, aiming to etch his name in Yankees lore alongside some of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.