Max Fried and New York Yankees Reach $218 Million Agreement, Largest Deal for Left-Handed Pitcher
Two-time All-Star Max Fried has agreed to an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, according to sources familiar with
the deal. The contract, which is pending a physical, marks the largest guaranteed salary ever for a left-handed pitcher.
This agreement is also notable as the Yankees’ 12th contract worth at least $100 million, breaking a tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers for
the most such deals in MLB history. Fried, 30, has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the National League during his seven seasons
with the Atlanta Braves. Over the past five seasons, he has posted a 2.81 ERA, the best in Major League Baseball during that span,
narrowly ahead of Corbin Burnes (2.88). Despite not overpowering hitters with his stuff, Fried is known for his exceptional command and ability
to pitch deep into games, qualities that made him highly sought after by teams in need of a frontline starter.
The Yankees made their move for Fried after he was also pursued by the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Texas Rangers. His acquisition
comes just days after the Yankees lost out on outfielder Juan Soto, who signed the largest contract in professional sports history with the Mets.
Fried joins a Yankees rotation that already includes ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus
Stroman. His $218 million deal surpasses the $217 million contract signed by David Price with the Boston Red Sox in 2015, making Fried one of only
three left-handed pitchers to ever secure a $200 million contract, joining Price and Clayton Kershaw ($215 million).
While Fried’s postseason career has been a mix of highs and lows, his memorable six shutout innings in Atlanta’s World Series-clinching Game
6 in 2021 stand out as a highlight. Fried, originally drafted 7th overall by the San Diego Padres in 2012, was traded to the Braves in 2014 after
recovering from Tommy John surgery. Despite early struggles in the Padres’ farm system, Fried developed into a dominant force, known for his
spin-heavy repertoire and pinpoint control.