The New York Yankees have made a strategic offseason move by securing left-handed pitcher Max Fried with an eight-year deal worth $218 million, a contract that firmly underscores their commitment to augmenting their rotation with top-tier talent. Fried, a former ace of the Atlanta Braves and a pivotal player in their 2021 World Series triumph, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the Bronx.
Fried's contract includes a full no-trade clause, signaling both the Yankees' long-term trust in his capabilities and Fried's commitment to wearing the pinstripes. At 31, an age he will reach in January 2025, Fried aims to anchor a rotation that already comprises formidable names like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. Moreover, Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes supplement this lineup, providing the Yankees with a comprehensive and versatile pitching corps.
A Pitching Phenomenon
Max Fried is no stranger to the big stage. With a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts and 174 ⅓ innings pitched in the 2024 season, Fried has once again proven his mettle. His talent shines even brighter when looking at his cumulative performance from 2020 through 2023, where he posted a remarkable 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings. His performance peaked in 2021 when he delivered a Game 6 victory against the Houston Astros, helping the Braves clinch their World Series title that year.
Statistically, Fried ranks among the elite. "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," noted R.J. Anderson. This testament to Fried’s superiority in the league underlines why the Yankees were eager to add him to their roster.
Strategic Reinforcements
The Yankees' acquisition of Fried comes at a time when they have solidified their dominance in the American League, having clinched both the AL East and the AL pennant last season. By adding Fried to their rotation, they not only enhance their chances of sustaining success but also of reaching new heights in postseason contention.
Fried is known for his exceptional ability to control exit velocity, ranking in the 95th percentile in this area last season. Partnering this with his consistent delivery of nearly 60% ground balls makes him a valuable asset in any matchup.
The Braves, meanwhile, will receive a compensation draft pick following the fourth round as a result of Fried's departure. Though losing an ace is never easy, the Braves undoubtedly weigh this loss against their past successes with Fried, including his role in their 2021 World Series victory.
Contract Significance
Fried's contract is noteworthy not just for its duration and monetary value but also in comparison to ongoing trends in the league. While the Yankees secure Fried's prowess for the upcoming years, the New York Mets have likewise made headlines with their recent signing of Juan Soto. Soto's unprecedented 15-year, $765 million contract sets a new benchmark for player contracts, indicating a broader trend across Major League Baseball to invest heavily in future talent.
Looking Forward
As the Yankees prepare for another promising season, their strategic bolstering of the starting rotation underscores a clear mandate: positioning the team for sustained competitive prowess. Max Fried’s arrival offers both veteran leadership and superb left-handed pitching—qualities that the Yankees hope will translate into continued success on both division and pennant fronts.
By securing a player of Fried’s caliber, the Yankees are not only enhancing their rotation but also making a statement about their aspirations in coming seasons, emphasizing their determination to reclaim and extend their storied legacy.