Days after reports surfaced, the Yankees have officially confirmed the signing of left-handed ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. This historic deal sets a new benchmark for left-handed starters, narrowly surpassing David Price’s previous record contract with the Boston Red Sox by $1 million. Fried’s addition addresses a pressing need in the Yankees’ rotation, giving them a top-tier starter capable of slotting in as a #1 or #2 arm.
Bolstering the Rotation for a Championship Run
With this signing, the Yankees’ rotation appears set barring any unexpected trades. Fried joins an already formidable group featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. His presence is expected to strengthen the team’s run-prevention strategy, making him a key piece in their pursuit of championship success.
Max Fried’s track record over the past three seasons solidifies his reputation as one of MLB’s premier pitchers. He boasts the lowest qualified ERA among starting pitchers in that span (2.80) and combines elite groundball rates with solid strikeout numbers. His diverse pitch arsenal allows him to dominate both right-handed and left-handed hitters, a skill the Yankees hope will translate seamlessly in the Bronx.
A Look Back at Fried’s 2023 Season
Last season, Fried recorded a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts with the Atlanta Braves. Despite a rocky start, he rebounded impressively, finishing the season strong. Notably, he introduced a new sweeper pitch in September, which contributed to a stellar 2.14 ERA down the stretch. Four of his final five outings were quality starts, underscoring his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Moving Pieces: Nestor Cortes Traded for Closer Devin Williams
To accommodate Fried in the rotation, the Yankees traded left-hander Nestor Cortes in a deal that brought back star closer Devin Williams. Williams’ addition further enhances the Yankees’ bullpen, aligning with their broader focus on run prevention.
Financial Implications of the Fried Contract
Max Fried’s deal represents the largest contract ever awarded to a left-handed pitcher. Structured to spread out the financial impact, Fried will earn $12 million annually for the first two seasons, with larger payouts coming in later years. This backloaded approach reflects Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner’s strategy of balancing short-term roster investments with long-term financial commitments.
For Luxury Tax purposes, Fried’s contract carries a consistent $27 million annual charge over its eight-year term. This calculated move allows the Yankees to navigate the tax threshold more effectively as they continue to refine their roster.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
Following the departure of star outfielder Juan Soto, who signed with the New York Mets, the Yankees are actively exploring options to bolster their lineup and defense. As part of their offseason push, they will hold an introductory press conference for Devin Williams via Zoom and remain focused on making additional impactful moves.
With Max Fried now in pinstripes, the Yankees have signaled their intent to contend at the highest level, and their roster upgrades suggest they are far from finished this winter.
