The New York Yankees have made a significant splash in the off-season, securing the services of left-handed pitcher Max Fried with an eight-year, $218 million contract. This high-profile acquisition promises to reinforce their starting rotation with an elite performer who boasts a solid reputation from his tenure with the Atlanta Braves. The contract also includes a full no-trade clause, underscoring the Yankees' long-term commitment to Fried as a crucial part of their future strategy on the mound.
Acing the Lineup
During his career with the Braves, Fried established himself as a cornerstone of their pitching staff, playing an instrumental role in Atlanta's triumph in the 2021 World Series. His performance in Game 6 against the Houston Astros remains a career highlight. From 2020 through 2023, Fried cemented his status as one of baseball's premier pitchers, recording an impressive 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings. His ability to consistently limit opposition scoring has been a pivotal factor in his team's successes and his personal accolades.
In the 2024 season, Fried's record continued to impress, with a 3.25 ERA amassed over 29 starts and 174 ⅓ innings pitched. Although he has only surpassed the 180 innings threshold once in his career, his reliability and skill in controlling games are unwavering. Notably, last season he ranked in the 95th percentile for controlling exit velocity, and he has consistently generated nearly 60% ground balls, statistics that speak volumes about his command and ability to pitch deep into games.
The Yankees' New Dawn
Adding Fried to the Yankees’ rotation bolsters a group that already includes formidable talent with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. The depth further extends with the presence of Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes, allowing the Yankees to present a diverse and dynamic rotation to navigate the grueling demands of the MLB season. This impressive assembly of pitchers positions the Yankees as strong contenders to defend their AL East and AL pennant titles, both of which they clinched last year.
A Changing Landscape in New York
Fried's move marks a significant transition not only for himself but also for the Atlanta Braves, who will receive a compensation draft pick following the fourth round as a result of his departure. Fried, who once emerged from a trade involving Justin Upton and the San Diego Padres back in December 2014, now brings his vast experience to New York. He joins a Yankees team eager to capitalize on its momentum and strengthen its pursuit of championship glory.
Meanwhile, crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, have been busy as well, signing Juan Soto to a mammoth 15-year, $765 million contract. The Mets' commitment to Soto signals their own ambitions in the ever-competitive MLB landscape.
Elite Company
Fried’s prowess has been well recognized in professional circles. As R.J. Anderson aptly put it, "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." Such recognition highlights Fried’s elite status among left-handed pitchers, and his arrival in the Bronx is certain to energize a fan base starved for pitching excellence.
As Max Fried prepares to turn 31 in January 2025, he finds himself at a crucial juncture in what has already been an illustrious career. The Yankees' belief in his ability to deliver at the highest level speaks volumes about both the player and the legacy he can create in New York.
For the Yankees, the acquisition of Fried represents not just a significant upgrade on the mound but also a message to their competitors across the league. As they solidify their pitching lineup, the Yankees are clearly aiming for sustained success and another shot at baseball's ultimate prize.