Two-time All-Star Max Fried has made headlines by agreeing to an impressive eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, setting a new precedent as the largest deal ever offered to a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. This significant agreement, finalized on Tuesday, December 10, is pending and will add to the Yankees’ legacy as they hold the record for twelve contracts exceeding $100 million in the franchise’s history.
At just 30 years old, Fried has blossomed into one of the most formidable pitchers in the National League over his seven seasons with the Atlanta Braves. With a stellar 2.81 ERA over the past five years, he has earned a reputation as one of the most efficient arms in baseball, outpacing all other pitchers in the league—just ahead of Corbin Burnes, who has a 2.88 ERA during the same span.
The Yankees aggressively pursued Fried, facing stiff competition from notable teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers, all eager to bolster their rotations. Fried will join an intense pitching staff of elite talent, including ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman. His lucrative $218 million deal eclipses David Price’s previous record of $217 million when he signed with the Red Sox in 2015. Fried now ranks among an elite trio, along with Price and Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers (who received a $215 million contract), as only the third left-handed pitcher to reach the $200 million milestone.
Despite some ups and downs in his postseason performances, Fried shone in a critical moment during the 2021 World Series, delivering six shutout innings in Game 6 to clinch the championship for Atlanta. He came to the Braves as the cornerstone of a trade for Justin Upton, a move made after he recovered from Tommy John surgery. This challenging period followed two disappointing seasons in the San Diego farm system. Under Fried’s influence, the Braves thrived, but his departure left a significant void in their rotation, prompting the team to seek replacements through their farm system or the free-agent market.
Overall, the Yankees have lofty aspirations for Fried and their starting rotation, especially after their recent World Series performance. They hope this transformative signing will propel them to greater heights in their quest for championship glory.
Avry Jones is a contributor to The MMM Journal. She can be reached at: avryjones@comcast.net
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