The New York Yankees have made a significant move to bolster their pitching rotation, signing left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year contract worth $218 million. This high-profile acquisition is accompanied by a full no-trade clause, reflecting the Yankees' commitment to Fried as a cornerstone of their pitching staff for years to come.
A Proven Ace Joins the Yankees
Fried, previously the ace of the Atlanta Braves, has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable southpaw pitchers in Major League Baseball. His performance from 2020 through 2023 was particularly impressive, as he maintained a 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings. Such consistent excellence on the mound places him among the elite pitchers in the league. As R.J. Anderson noted, "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."
Fried's prowess was on full display during the 2021 World Series, where he played a pivotal role in the Braves' triumph, notably securing a victory in Game 6 against the Houston Astros. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes games makes him a valuable addition to the Yankees, who are eager to add another championship to their storied history.
Strengthening an Already Formidable Rotation
The Yankees' rotation, already featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, now adds Fried's left-handed power and precision. The franchise further bolsters its depth with Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes, ensuring a strong bullpen capable of supporting the team's postseason aspirations. This move comes after the Yankees clinched both the AL East and the AL pennant last season, demonstrating their intent to build on that success with a more robust pitching lineup.
Fried's control and ability to manage the game are further underscored by his ranking in the 95th percentile for controlling exit velocity last season. With nearly 60% of his pitches resulting in ground balls, Fried presents a dual threat to opposing batters, effectively limiting opportunities to capitalize at the plate. Although he has surpassed the 180-inning threshold only once in his career, the Yankees are betting on his potential to bring durable, high-quality innings to their rotation.
A Notable Departure for the Braves
For Atlanta, Fried's exit is a significant loss, especially after he helped bring home a World Series title. As recompense for his departure, the Braves will receive a compensation draft pick following the fourth round. Yet, Fried's journey to becoming a Yankee is marked by a storied past that includes a pivotal trade in December 2014. He was part of a transaction with Justin Upton that saw him move from the San Diego Padres to the Braves, a step that set the foundation for his rise as a premier MLB pitcher.
Looking Towards the Future
As Fried approaches his 31st birthday in January 2025, the Yankees have secured a pitcher entering his prime. His performance last season, featuring a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts and 174 ⅓ innings, underscores his capability to deliver at the highest level. The signing of Fried, alongside the recent blockbuster contract of Juan Soto with the New York Mets—a 15-year deal valued at $765 million—marks a transformative offseason for New York baseball. Both franchises aim to dominate the MLB landscape, capturing the excitement and imagination of fans in their pursuit of glory.
Only time will tell how Fried's journey with the Yankees unfolds. However, his track record and the Yankees' unwavering support position him as a pivotal player in the team's quest for championship success.