Yankees Secure Historic Deal with Max Fried
The New York Yankees have made a significant move in the baseball offseason, agreeing to terms with left-handed pitcher Max Fried on an impressive eight-year, $218 million contract. This deal not only strengthens the Yankees' pitching rotation but also places Fried at the pinnacle as the highest-paid left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball history.
Fried's reputation as a premier pitcher in the league has been well-earned, particularly for his pivotal role in the Atlanta Braves' triumphant 2021 World Series campaign. Notably, Fried's standout performance in the decisive Game 6 against the Houston Astros, where he struck out six and held the Astros scoreless over six innings, solidified his status as an elite pitcher.
Consistent Excellence on the Mound
Between 2020 and 2023, Fried's stellar performance on the mound was encapsulated by an impressive 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings. His consistency continued into the 2024 season, recording a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts, embodying the kind of reliable pitching that every top MLB team desires.
Adding to his accolades, Fried has excelled at generating ground balls, maintaining a nearly 60% rate for two consecutive years. He also ranked in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity last season, showcasing his ability to stymie opposing batters effectively.
A Significant Addition for the Yankees
Fried's acquisition marks a formidable enhancement to an already robust Yankees pitching rotation that helped secure both the American League East title and the American League pennant in the previous season. He joins a roster bolstering talents like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, the latter turning in a commendable 32 starts in 2024. Nestor Cortes also contributed significantly with 30 starts, while Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil each added 29 starts to their resumes. Clarke Schmidt and Cole contributed with 16 and 17 starts, respectively.
For the Yankees, Fried wasn't just a top-tier option; he was considered the fifth-best free agent of this offseason and the third-best pitcher available, trailing only behind Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. His signing is not just about strengthening the rotation but also about the Yankees signaling their intention to remain competitive and dominant in the league.
Parting with Atlanta
Fried’s departure from Atlanta, where he was initially acquired in a trade for Justin Upton with the San Diego Padres in 2014, comes as no small event. Over the years, he became an integral part of the Braves' success, culminating in their 2021 World Series victory. As compensation for his departure, Atlanta is set to receive a draft pick after the fourth round, a modest consolation for losing a player of Fried's caliber.
The Braves will undoubtedly miss Fried's mastery on the mound, but his move to the Yankees is a strategic fit for a team consistently in pursuit of excellence and championships. For Yankees fans, the arrival of Fried heralds renewed hope for another dominant season influenced by powerful pitching performances.