Yankees Land Ace Pitcher Max Fried with Mega Deal
The New York Yankees have made a significant splash in the free-agent market by securing left-handed pitcher Max Fried with an ambitious eight-year contract valued at a whopping $218 million. This move not only bolsters the Yankees' already formidable rotation but also signals their intent to build on last season's successful campaign, during which they clinched both the AL East and the AL pennant.
A Formidable Addition
Max Fried, a former ace of the Atlanta Braves, is no stranger to high-stakes baseball. He played an instrumental role in the Braves' 2021 World Series triumph, earning a victory in Game 6 against the Houston Astros. Over the past several seasons (2020 through 2023), Fried has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the mound, maintaining a remarkable 2.66 ERA across nearly 500 innings. The Yankees' acquisition of Fried not only brings a top-tier starting pitcher into their fold but also adds a veteran presence who has thrived under pressure.
Contract Details and Pitching Strengths
The contract comes with a full no-trade clause, offering Fried a sense of stability in his long-term baseball future. At 31 years old, this marks a pivotal chapter in Fried's career as he joins a Yankees rotation packed with talent, including Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. Additionally, Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes further solidify the depth of the Yankees' pitching roster.
One of Fried’s most impressive attributes is his mastery in controlling exit velocity, where he consistently ranked in the 95th percentile last season. His ability to induce ground balls—nearly 60% of the time—makes him a crucial asset in a sport that increasingly values pitching efficiency and defensive reliability. Despite surpassing the 180 innings mark only once in his career, Fried's track record suggests he is a pitcher who can consistently deliver quality starts.
A Legacy with the Braves
Fried's journey to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball began with a trade involving Justin Upton and the San Diego Padres back in December 2014. Since then, his development into one of the most reliable left-handed pitchers in the game has been evident. As R.J. Anderson aptly noted, "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."
Fried’s departure from the Braves is a significant change for a franchise that benefitted greatly from his talents. His contributions will continue to resonate, especially considering the compensation draft pick Atlanta receives following the fourth round due to his departure, offering the team a chance to bolster their roster with future talent.
High Stakes in New York
As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of Fried into the rotation is poised to elevate the team’s performance on the mound. His experience and proven track record make him a formidable addition, one that Yankees fans are eager to see in pinstripes. With the Yankees eyeing another deep playoff run, bolstered by a rotation that now includes Fried, the excitement is palpable.
On another front in New York baseball, Juan Soto made headlines with his own blockbuster deal, a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, showcasing a vibrant period in the New York baseball scene where both teams are actively striving for supremacy.
Max Fried's entry into the Yankees' storied history marks a new chapter filled with promise, as both Fried and the team look to achieve greatness in the quest for a World Series title.