Max Fried Joins Yankees with Blockbuster Deal
In a stunning move that has sent ripples through the baseball world, the New York Yankees have secured the services of elite left-handed pitcher Max Fried. The Yankees have inked Fried to a commanding eight-year contract valued at $218 million. This strategic acquisition is punctuated by a full no-trade clause, underscoring the Yankees' commitment to building a dominant pitching staff around the ace who previously starred for the Atlanta Braves.
A Key Addition to the Yankees' Rotation
The inclusion of Fried bolsters an already potent Yankees rotation that features Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. To further solidify their pitching depth, the Yankees also boast talents like Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes. Fried's arrival is anticipated to be instrumental in the Yankees’ pursuit of continued dominance following their clinching of both the AL East and the AL pennant last season.
Fried's performance history underscores why the Yankees were so eager to enlist him. In the 2024 season, he maintained a solid 3.25 ERA over 29 starts, pitching 174 ⅓ innings. Notably, from 2020 to 2023, Fried delivered an impressive 2.66 ERA across nearly 500 innings—a testament to his enduring quality on the mound. His capability to control exit velocity is exceptional, as evidenced by his ranking in the 95th percentile last season. Additionally, Fried consistently induces nearly 60% ground balls, a testament to his command and ability to stifle opponents.
A Star Proven on the Grandest Stage
Fried's track record in crucial moments is well-documented. He played a pivotal role in the Atlanta Braves' victorious run in the 2021 World Series, clinching Game 6 against the formidable Houston Astros. Such performances reflect his potential to shine in high-stakes scenarios—a trait that will be invaluable as the Yankees look to further their success. However, it's worth noting that Fried has surpassed the 180 innings threshold only once in his career, a statistic that the Yankees' coaching staff will likely monitor closely.
Farewell to the Braves
As Fried embarks on this new chapter with the Yankees, the Atlanta Braves are left to reconfigure. His departure is a significant shift for the Braves, who will receive a compensation draft pick following the fourth round in light of this high-profile exit. Fried’s journey through the Braves organization included being part of a notable trade involving Justin Upton and the San Diego Padres back in December 2014, a path that eventually saw him rise to become the ace pitcher he is today.
Market Dynamics: Comparisons and Context
The acquisition of Fried comes in the midst of another blockbuster contract—Juan Soto's mammoth 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets. While Soto's contract has garnered considerable headlines, the Yankees' investment in Fried highlights their strategic approach to fortifying their pitching ranks, aiming to maintain their competitive edge. Reflecting on Fried's elite performance metrics since 2020, it's no wonder he was a sought-after asset. As R.J. Anderson aptly remarked, "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."
The Road Ahead
As Max Fried dons the pinstripes, he enters a storied franchise with lofty expectations. Turning 31 in January 2025, Fried is poised to play a central role in shaping the Yankees’ future success on the field. His experience, skill set, and unwavering demeanor align with the Yankees' pursuit of championship glory—a journey that promises to be as captivating as it is challenging.