On Tuesday, the New York Yankees agreed to terms with All-Star left-handed pitcher Max Fried, adding another key element to their already strong rotation.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Yankees signed Fried to an eight-year contract worth $218 million. It is the highest contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Previously, only two lefties have broken the $200 million barrier. The Boston Red Sox signed David Price to a seven-year, $217 million contract in 2015, while Clayton Kershaw signed a seven-year, $215 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014.
Fried made 29 starts with the Atlanta Braves in 2024, finishing 11-10 with a 3.25 ERA, 166 strikeouts, and two complete games. He received his second career All-Star selection.
The Yankees hired Fried just a few days after losing out on superstar slugger Juan Soto, who chose to join with their crosstown rivals, the Mets. They now have probably the finest rotation in baseball, with Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, All-Stars Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman, as well as Luis Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year.
Max Fried spent his whole MLB career with the Braves, who handed him his big league debut in 2017. His career record is 73-36, with a 3.07 ERA and 863 strikeouts. Fried’s résumé includes one All-MLB First Team and two All-MLB Second Team honours, as well as three Gold Glove Awards and a World Series ring from 2021.
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