The New York Yankees bolstered their already impressive rotation on Tuesday by reaching an agreement with All-Star left-handed pitcher Max Fried.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Max Fried secured an eight-year, $218 million contract with the Yankees, marking the largest deal ever awarded to a left-handed pitcher in MLB history.
Before Max Fried, only two left-handed pitchers had surpassed the $200 million mark. David Price signed a seven-year, $217 million contract with the Boston Red Sox in 2015, and Clayton Kershaw secured a seven-year, $215 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014
In 2024, Max Fried made 29 starts for the Atlanta Braves, posting an 11-10 record with a 3.25 ERA, 166 strikeouts, and two complete games. He also earned his second career All-Star selection.
The Yankees secured Max Fried just days after losing out on superstar slugger Juan Soto, who opted to sign with the cross-town rival Mets. With this addition, the Yankees now boast what could be the best rotation in baseball, featuring Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, All-Stars Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Marcus Stroman, along with 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil.
Max Fried spent his entire MLB career with the Atlanta Braves, making his debut in 2017. He has compiled a career record of 73–36 with a 3.07 ERA and 863 strikeouts. His accolades include one All-MLB First Team honor, two All-MLB Second Team selections, three Gold Glove Awards, and a World Series championship in 2021.
