Yankees Secure Max Fried in a Monumental Deal
In a move that underscores their commitment to bolstering the pitching staff, the New York Yankees have officially signed Max Fried, one of baseball's most reliable left-handed pitchers, to an eight-year, $218 million contract. This acquisition, which includes a full no-trade clause, marks a significant enhancement to an already formidable Yankees rotation.
An Ace in New York
Fried, formerly the ace for the Atlanta Braves, has been a prominent figure in the league, widely recognized for his ability to stifle opposing offenses. His track record is impressive, with a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts in the 2024 season, during which he pitched 174 ⅓ innings. Even more remarkable, Fried maintained a 2.66 ERA across nearly 500 innings from 2020 through 2023.
"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," remarked R.J. Anderson, highlighting Fried's ongoing dominance.
Impact on the Rotation
The Yankees' rotation, already featuring elite pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón, will undoubtedly benefit from Fried's addition. Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil also contribute to a deep pitching staff, which is further supported by Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes. This robust lineup aims to replicate last season’s success, where the Yankees clinched both the AL East and the AL pennant.
Fried's proficiency in limiting opponents to minimal damage is evident in his 95th percentile rank for controlling exit velocity last season. Known for generating nearly 60% ground balls, Fried provides the Yankees with a reliable presence on the mound, essential for maintaining their competitive edge in high-stakes games.
A Celebrated Past
Max Fried played an instrumental role in the Braves' triumphant 2021 World Series journey, notably securing victory in Game 6 against the Houston Astros. His departure from Atlanta will result in a compensation draft pick for the Braves following the fourth round, marking a significant transition for both Fried and the Braves organization.
Fried's journey to the Yankees has been one of continual growth and development. His career includes a pivotal trade from the San Diego Padres involving Justin Upton back in December 2014, which set him on a path to becoming one of MLB's most sought-after pitchers.
Challenges and Potential
Despite Fried’s impressive track record, surpassing the 180 innings threshold has occurred only once in his career, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the Yankees coaching staff. As Fried approaches his 31st birthday in January 2025, maintaining his health and durability will be crucial for the success of this significant investment.
Meanwhile, across town, Juan Soto's staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets highlights the competitive landscape in New York baseball, positioning the Yankees and Mets as key players in the race for league supremacy.
As the Yankees look forward to the upcoming season, they can rest assured that Max Fried's talent and experience will be pivotal in their quest for another World Series title. The fusion of his pitching acumen with the Yankees' existing strengths makes them an even more formidable opponent in the American League. Whether Fried can thrive under the bright lights of New York and deliver on the promise of this lucrative contract will be a narrative worth following closely in the months and years to come.