The landscape of Major League Baseball shifted notably this week as the New York Yankees made headline news by inking left-handed pitcher Max Fried to a monumental eight-year contract. This $218 million deal not only underscores the Yankees' dedication to fortifying their pitching rotation but also signals a significant shift in Fried’s career trajectory.
An Ace Joins The Yankee Ranks
Max Fried, once the formidable ace of the Atlanta Braves, will bring a wealth of experience and skill to the Bronx. His career thus far has been marked by sustained excellence on the mound. From 2020 through 2023, Fried boasted a remarkable 2.66 ERA over nearly 500 innings, a testament to his consistent dominance. Notably, he ranked in the 95th percentile for controlling exit velocity last season, exemplifying his ability to stifle opposing batters.
The deal with the Yankees includes a full no-trade clause, providing Fried with stability and the assurance of a long-term home in New York. His addition complements an already strong rotation featuring names like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. The Yankees, who successfully clinched the AL East and the AL pennant last season, are clearly aiming to deepen their bullpen in the pursuit of further glory.
The Braves Factor
Fried’s departure from the Braves is notable. A key player in their 2021 World Series victory, Fried delivered a standout performance in Game 6 against the Houston Astros, etching his name in Atlanta sports history. Despite the significant loss, the Braves will receive a compensatory draft pick following the fourth round, which could aid in replenishing their talent pool.
Fried's journey with the Braves commenced in December 2014 as part of a trade involving Justin Upton with the San Diego Padres. Over the years, he has been a formidable force, cementing his place as a top-tier pitcher in the league.
A Glimpse Into The Stats
Fried’s statistical portfolio is nothing short of impressive. In the 2024 season alone, he maintained a 3.25 ERA over 29 starts, amassing 174⅓ innings. Known for his ability to generate ground balls, Fried has consistently achieved nearly 60% in this metric, underscoring his skill in limiting opponents' offensive opportunities. However, it is worth noting that Fried has only once surpassed the 180 innings threshold in his career, a consideration that the Yankees' management will likely monitor.
A quote from R.J. Anderson echoes the sentiment around Fried’s ERA+: "We wanted to print a complete list of left-handed starting pitchers with a better ERA+ than Fried since the beginning of the 2020 season, but we ran into a problem. You see, no sinister hurler who had a decent amount of innings (min. 200 combined) actually placed ahead of him in that metric." This alone speaks volumes about Fried’s standing among his peers.
Soto Joins The Mets
Amidst the buzz surrounding Fried, another monumental signing unfolded in the Big Apple. Juan Soto inked a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets. This seismic transaction further intensifies the competition between the Mets and Yankees, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead as the two teams vie for city and league supremacy.
The Road Ahead
As Max Fried prepares to don the pinstripes, anticipation builds around how his exceptional talent will mesh with the Yankees' already robust lineup. The team’s pitching strength, now bolstered by Fried, positions them as formidable contenders for the coming MLB seasons. As he approaches his 31st birthday in January 2025, Fried’s presence promises to inject both experience and youthful vigor into the Yankees’ rotation, what could be the foundation for sustained success.