Yankees Secure MLB's Highest-Paid Left-Handed Pitcher in Historic Deal
The New York Yankees have made headlines with their acquisition of Max Fried, a left-handed pitcher whose performance and achievements have now earned him the richest contract for a left-hander in Major League Baseball history. Fried's new eight-year deal, valued at $218 million, adds depth and prowess to an already formidable pitching rotation in the Bronx.
Max Fried has been a mainstay in discussions surrounding elite pitchers ever since his commanding presence helped the Atlanta Braves clinch the 2021 World Series. During that decisive Game 6 against the Houston Astros, Fried pitched with an intensity and skill that secured the win, striking out six batters and delivering six shutout innings. His ability to perform under pressure made him a sought-after asset in free agency.
Dominance on the Mound
Between 2020 and 2023, Fried was nothing short of impressive, maintaining a 2.66 ERA across nearly 500 innings pitched. His consistency continued into 2024, where he pitched to a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts, covering 174 ⅓ innings. Such statistics underline his reliability and expertise, marking him as one of the elite pitchers of his era.
Fried's prowess extends beyond ERA. Over the past two seasons, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to generate ground balls, achieving nearly 60% ground balls both years. Additionally, he ranked in the 95th percentile for average exit velocity last season, a testament to the minimal solid contact batters managed against him. These numbers only strengthen Fried's reputation for weakening opposing offenses.
Astor to Yankee Stadium
Initially acquired by Atlanta via a trade from the San Diego Padres for Justin Upton in 2014, Fried's career trajectory has now led him to the Yankees. His departure from the Braves, however, does not come without its compensations. Atlanta will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round, which they hope will help mitigate the impact of losing such a crucial player.
Joining the ranks of the Yankees' pitching staff, Fried will collaborate with the likes of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. These pitchers were instrumental in the Yankees' securing the American League East title and the American League pennant last season. Carlos Rodón, known for his reliability, logged 32 starts last season, while Nestor Cortes had 30 starts. Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil, with 29 starts each, rounded out the rotation. Meanwhile, Cole and Schmidt contributed with 17 and 16 starts, respectively.
Fried's Offseason Recognition
In the recent offseason, Fried was recognized as the fifth-best free agent available, showcasing the fierce competition for high-caliber pitchers. Only Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell ranked higher in their positions. Thus, Fried's acquisition marks a significant win in the Yankees' quest to strengthen their squad, positioning them favorably for the upcoming seasons.
As the Yankees look forward to integrating Fried into their lineup, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his historical contract will pay dividends on the mound. His addition not only enhances the Yankees' formidable rotation but also stands as a bold statement of intent as the team continues to chase championship glory.