Yankees Land Left-Handed Ace: Max Fried Signs $218 Million Deal
In a stunning move that has the baseball world buzzing, the New York Yankees have secured the services of left-handed pitcher Max Fried, signing him to an eight-year, $218 million contract. The deal, which includes a full no-trade clause, underscores the Yankees’ commitment to bolstering their rotation and making another deep postseason run.
From Atlanta to New York
Fried, a pivotal figure in the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series triumph, was instrumental in clinching their victory by dominating in Game 6 against the Houston Astros. Over the past four years, Fried has been among the game’s elite, posting a remarkable 2.66 ERA across nearly 500 innings. His consistency and ability to control the game set him apart as a top target for the Yankees, who are known for their rich history of star-studded rosters.
The Atlanta Braves, in light of Fried’s departure, will receive a compensation draft pick following the fourth round. This marks a significant transition for both Fried and the Braves, given his longstanding impact on the team since joining them through a trade from the San Diego Padres back in December 2014.
A Formidable Addition to a Strong Rotation
Fried solidifies an already impressive Yankees’ starting rotation that features Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. With additional depth from pitchers like Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes, the Yankees are poised to maintain their dominance in the league. Fried’s capability to restrict exit velocity—placing him in the 95th percentile last season—adds a dimension of precision and efficiency to the Yankees' pitching arsenal.
Despite his prowess, Fried has eclipsed the 180 innings threshold only once in his career. Nonetheless, his track record suggests a durability and reliability that the Yankees will undoubtedly value as they aim to repeat their success from last season, when they clinched both the AL East and the AL pennant.
Max Fried's Stellar Performance
Fried’s performance in the 2024 season, where he maintained a 3.25 ERA across 29 starts while pitching 174 ⅓ innings, continues to highlight his effectiveness and endurance on the mound. His ability to generate nearly 60% ground balls consistently not only shuts down opposing lineups but also provides a strategic edge for the Yankees’ defense.
As one source observed about Fried’s statistical standing, “We wanted to print a complete list of left-handed starting pitchers with a better ERA+ than Fried since the beginning of the 2020 season, but we ran into a problem. You see, no sinister hurler who had a decent amount of innings (min. 200 combined) actually placed ahead of him in that metric.” This testament to his excellence will now be a hallmark of the Yankees’ pitching prowess.
Future Prospects
The signing of Juan Soto to a monumental 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets further intensifies the competition in New York. The Yankees' acquisition of Fried is a strategic response, aimed at solidifying their pitching unit in a league that continues to see astronomical talent valued at premium prices. Fried, set to turn 31 in January 2025, brings a wealth of experience and potential for growth, making him an asset for the Yankees’ long-term aspirations.
As the Yankees welcome Fried to their organization, expectations are high, and excitement is palpable. His addition marks a new chapter for the club, blending seasoned talent with emerging potential—a combination that could well lead the Yankees back to the pinnacle of baseball supremacy.