Yankees Secure Historical Deal with Max Fried
In a move that has sent ripples across Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees have secured a powerhouse addition to their pitching lineup. Left-handed pitcher Max Fried, a name synonymous with precision and strength on the mound, has inked an eight-year deal with the Yankees worth a staggering $218 million. This contract not only marks a significant step for the Yankees but also establishes Fried as the best-paid left-handed pitcher in the history of the league.
The Yankees' decision to bring Fried on board is rooted in his formidable track record, notably during his tenure with the Atlanta Braves. Known for his pivotal role in securing the Braves’ 2021 World Series victory, Fried delivered an unforgettable performance in Game 6 of the championship series against the Houston Astros. His ability to strike out six batters over six shutout innings played a crucial role in the Braves clinching the title, forever etching his name in the annals of Braves' history.
Consistent Excellence on the Mound
Fried's consistency as a pitcher is reflected in his outstanding ERA of 2.66 maintained over nearly 500 innings pitched from 2020 to 2023. Such performance is a testament to his resilience and skill, vital attributes the Yankees hope he will bring to their rotation. In the most recent 2024 season, Fried proved his worthiness once again with a solid 3.25 ERA over 29 starts and 174 ⅓ innings, demonstrating his durability and effectiveness.
One of Fried’s notable strengths is his ability to generate ground balls, with nearly 60% of balls in play categorized as grounders over the past two seasons. This ability not only underscores his skill in managing batted balls but also places him among the league's elite, ranking in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity last season. Such metrics highlight his control and influence on the field.
New Life for Yankees Pitching Rotation
By joining the Yankees, Fried adds a new layer of depth and prowess to an already formidable pitching rotation. His new teammates will include stars like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. This dynamic mix of talent aims to replicate and surpass the Yankees' previous successes, including their triumphant capture of the American League East title and pennant last season.
The Yankees’ rotation received standout performances in 2024, notably from Carlos Rodón, who took the mound for 32 starts, and Nestor Cortes with 30 starts. Meanwhile, Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil each made 29 starts, contributing significantly to the rotation’s depth. Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt also played pivotal roles with 17 and 16 starts, respectively. Fried's arrival is expected to further elevate these dynamics, potentially giving the Yankees an unparalleled edge in the league’s pitching hierarchy.
Impact on Atlanta and Beyond
Fried’s departure from Atlanta marks the end of an era for the Braves. Initially acquired in a trade for Justin Upton from the San Diego Padres in December 2014, Fried became a cornerstone of their pitching arsenal. His movement to the Yankees means the Braves will receive a compensation draft pick post-fourth round, a small consolation for losing such a key figure.
As the fifth-best free agent this offseason and the third-best pitcher—trailing only Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell—Fried’s signing further validates the Yankees' strategic approach to solidifying their roster. His historical deal not only reflects his market value but also the high stakes and competitive landscape of modern baseball.
With Fried on their side, the Yankees are poised to enrich their legacy in Major League Baseball. As fans and analysts anticipate the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Fried to see how he adapts and thrives within his new team’s framework. The expectations are high, but if his track record is any indication, Fried is set to meet and exceed them, blazing a trail in the storied history of the New York Yankees' franchise.