The New York Yankees have made a splash in the offseason market, securing the talents of left-handed pitcher Max Fried with an eight-year contract valued at an impressive $218 million. This monumental deal, which includes a full no-trade clause, underscores the Yankees’ commitment to bolstering their pitching rotation in their quest for another championship.
An Ace Joins the Bronx Bombers
Max Fried, once the ace of the Atlanta Braves, brings a wealth of experience and success to New York. Known for his pivotal role in the Braves’ 2021 World Series triumph, Fried etched his name into baseball lore by clinching the decisive Game 6 against the Houston Astros. His addition to the Yankees' starting rotation, which already boasts the likes of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil, acts as a formidable reinforcement.
The Yankees have not settled for average with this acquisition. Fried's prowess on the mound is noteworthy. Over the span of the 2024 season, he maintained a commendable 3.25 ERA across 29 starts, amassing 174 ⅓ innings. His record further shines when considering his performance from 2020 through 2023, where he boasted an impressive 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings. Such consistency renders his inclusion in the Yankees’ roster a significant upgrade.
Master of the Mound
Fried’s capability to control the game is unmatched, ranking in the 95th percentile for controlling exit velocity last season. His knack for generating nearly 60% ground balls is a testament to his strategic pitching. Despite surpassing the 180 innings mark only once in his career, his efficiency on the field makes him a crucial asset for the Yankees’ rotation depth, alongside Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes.
Critics might seek to enumerate left-handed pitchers with better ERA+ statistics since 2020, but as R.J. Anderson commented, "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 an endorsement highlights the exceptional caliber of Fried’s performance.
Fried’s Path to New York
The journey to joining the Yankees marks another notable chapter in Fried’s career, which began with a trade involving Justin Upton to the San Diego Padres back in December 2014. Since then, Fried has carved out a reputation as one of the game’s elite pitchers.
While the Atlanta Braves bid farewell to their star pitcher, they won’t entirely walk away empty-handed. As compensation for his departure, the Braves are set to receive a draft pick following the fourth round, which they hope will help mitigate the loss of their former ace.
Yankees’ Championship Aspirations
With Fried set to turn 31 in January 2025, the Yankees’ management is banking on his experience and leadership to guide them through high-pressure scenarios, particularly after securing both the AL East and the AL pennant last season. His presence is expected to enhance an already star-studded rotation, making the Yankees perennial contenders in the foreseeable future.
On parallel lines, the New York Mets have also made headlines with a blockbuster signing of their own, committing a record 15-year, $765 million contract to outfielder Juan Soto. This move solidifies New York as a key battleground for baseball supremacy.
The Yankees’ audacious signing of Max Fried represents a definitive statement: the pursuit of excellence continues, and they are fully prepared to invest in top-tier talent to ensure their standing as championship contenders. As Bronx Bombers’ fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Fried, watching to see if his arm can deliver another World Series to New York.