MLB Lines: Max Fried to the Yankees

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Yankees Secure Max Fried with Record $218 Million Deal.

The New York Yankees have made a significant move in the MLB offseason by signing left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. The deal makes Fried the highest-paid left-handed pitcher in MLB history and ranks as the fourth-largest pitching contract overall. This acquisition comes after the Yankees’ unsuccessful attempt to land slugger Juan Soto and signals their commitment to bolstering their pitching rotation. MLB Lines will undoubtedly reflect the impact of this significant signing.

Max Fried’s Journey to the Yankees

Fried, who turns 31 in January, was one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. Ranked No. 4 on The Athletic’s free-agent list, he was projected to command a five-year, $140 million deal. Instead, he secured a much larger contract, showing the Yankees’ determination to add an elite arm to their roster. 

The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays also expressed interest in the southpaw, but the Yankees emerged victorious in the bidding war.

Fried’s departure from the Atlanta Braves marks the end of a stellar tenure. Since debuting in 2019, Fried has posted an impressive 71-31 record with a 3.06 ERA, trailing only Gerrit Cole in wins and ERA over the past six seasons among pitchers with at least 800 innings. Despite some injury concerns, including recurring forearm issues, Fried remains one of the league’s most reliable and talented pitchers.

Injury History and Resilience

Fried has dealt with finger blisters and forearm injuries throughout his career. In 2024, he was briefly sidelined due to forearm neuritis but returned sooner than expected, missing only 13 games. 

Before his stint on the injured list, Fried had a 7-5 record with a 3.08 ERA, including two complete games in 18 starts. However, his performance dipped slightly upon his return, finishing the season with a 3.53 ERA over his final 11 starts.

The season ended on a sour note for Fried and the Braves in the National League Wild Card series, where he allowed five runs in just two innings against the San Diego Padres. Despite these setbacks, Fried’s track record and resilience make him a valuable addition to the Yankees.

Legacy with the Braves

Fried leaves the Braves as one of their most accomplished pitchers since the era of Hall of Famers John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Greg Maddux. 

Over his career in Atlanta, Fried earned two All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards, and a Silver Slugger Award in 2021. He was pivotal in the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship, delivering a clutch performance in Game 6 to clinch the title.

While the Braves made three consecutive postseason appearances from 2022 to 2024, Fried and the team struggled to replicate their 2021 success. They fell short against the Philadelphia Phillies in consecutive years and failed to win the NL East in 2024.

Fried’s departure follows a trend of key players from the 2021 World Series team, such as Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson, leaving Atlanta in free agency.

The Yankees’ Vision with Fried

The Yankees aim to strengthen their rotation alongside ace Gerrit Cole by adding Fried. Fried’s consistent performance and postseason experience make him a critical asset for a team with championship aspirations. 

The Yankees’ move addresses immediate needs and sets them up for sustained success, as Fried’s contract runs through his age-38 season.

Fried’s arrival also highlights the Yankees’ proactive approach in the offseason market, positioning them as strong contenders for the upcoming season. With MLB Odds reflecting the Yankees’ bolstered lineup and rotation, Fried’s addition could be the key to ending their championship drought.