Oct 2, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried (54) throws during the first inning of game two in the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

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Max Fried joins Yankees on record 8-year, $218M deal

Max Fried joins Yankees on record deal

Max Fried’s journey to free agency has ended with a massive payday. The left-handed pitcher signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher,” Passan noted.

Fried’s historic contract

Fried, who turns 31 in January, now holds the fourth-highest pitcher contract overall, trailing only Yoshinobu Yamamoto ($325 million), Gerrit Cole ($324 million), and Stephen Strasburg ($245 million). His deal narrowly surpasses the $217 million mark set by David Price. This makes him the highest-paid left-handed pitcher in MLB history.

WELCOME TO NEW YORK MAX FRIED pic.twitter.com/xUnSFni8ZA
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 10, 2024

Over his eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, Max Fried delivered consistent performances. In 2023, he posted an 11-10 record with a 3.25 ERA across 29 starts, striking out 166 batters in 174 1/3 innings. Despite some struggles in the postseason, including a rough outing against the Padres, Fried is remembered for his dominant six shutout innings that secured the Braves’ 2021 World Series title.

Yankees’ rotation gets a boost

The Yankees, whose rotation already features Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt, add Fried as a solid No. 2 starter. Max Fried arrival comes after the team failed to sign star outfielder Juan Soto, who opted for the Mets. The Yankees also edged out the Blue Jays and Red Sox, who were reportedly in the running for Fried.

Breaking: Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on an eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell @JeffPassan.

It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher. pic.twitter.com/fr3OdA9a6u
— ESPN (@espn) December 10, 2024

Fried’s addition creates a surplus of left-handed starters, leading to speculation that Nestor Cortes might be traded. “The acquisition of Fried creates a surplus of left-handed starters, making Nestor Cortes a logical trade candidate,” wrote Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media. Cortes, coming off a 3.77 ERA season, could attract interest as a mid-rotation option for other teams.

Fried’s skillset and injury concerns

Max Fried brings versatility with his seven-pitch repertoire. His fastball averages 93.9 mph, complemented by an effective curveball and other secondary pitches. According to Statcast, four of his pitches generated positive run values in 2023.

However, durability remains a concern. Fried has been on the injured list every season since 2018, dealing with various issues including blisters, hamstring strains, and forearm neuritis. These injuries didn’t deter the Yankees, who believe his skillset outweighs the risks.

Red Sox miss out again

The Boston Red Sox continue to miss out on top targets. After losing Fried to the Yankees, they’ve shifted focus to Orioles righty Corbin Burnes. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Blue Jays and Giants are leading the race for Burnes, leaving the Red Sox in a tough spot this offseason.

What’s next for the Yankees?

With Fried in the fold, the Yankees appear focused on shoring up other areas. Reports suggest Nestor Cortes, Cody Poteet, and others could move in trades to address needs in the bullpen or outfield. As Bryan Hoch of MLB.com noted, “Scanning the 40-man roster, the Yanks have several players who could fuel discussion to varying degrees.”

The Yankees’ success now hinges on how well their rotation stays healthy and delivers. Fried’s addition positions them as one of the best pitching staffs in the league, but the team’s offensive shortcomings remain a question mark heading into 2024.

Images: Imagn Images

$218M deal

Max Fried

Max Fried $218M deal

Max Fried contract

Max Fried deal

Max Fried signs a record 8-year

Max Fried Yankees

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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