The New York Yankees‘Pivot is on.
The Bronx Bombers lost Juan Soto to their crosstown rivals earlier this week, but the show must go on and the Yankees made a big impression.
The Yanks and Max Fried have reportedly agreed to an eight-year deal worth $218 million, the most lucrative deal ever given to a left-handed pitcher.
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Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried throws during the first inning of Game 2 of the wild-card round of the 2024 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. (Denis Poroy/Imagn Images)
Fried has been a standout for the Atlanta Braves in recent years alongside Spencer Strider. Fried pitched a 3.23 ERA in 29 starts in 2024, and his career ERA is 3.07. His 2.81 ERA since 2020 is the lowest in the sport among pitchers with at least 90 starts in that span.
The deal is a risk for the Yanks. Fried turns 31 next month. However, their rotation is without a doubt one of the best in baseball, and it also keeps Fried away from the Boston RedSoxwho were also interested in Fried.
Fried will now be the co-ace alongside Gerrit Cole. The Yankees also boast Rookie of the Year Luis Gil. Carlos Rodon also had a bounce-back year, while Clarke Schmidt’s ERA of 2.85, albeit in just 15 starts, was the best of his career.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried throws during the first inning of Game 2 in the wild-card round of the 2024 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. (Denis Poroy/Imagn Images)
The Yankees want to make a move for Marcus Stroman or Nestor Cortes. Fried will earn more than $27 million a year.
Fried is near the top of the league in average exit velocity allowed and ground ball rate. While he’s not really a swing-and-miss guy, weak ground contact is a good combination.
The Yanks reportedly offered Soto $760 million over 16 years, but Soto took the Mets’ deal for 15 years, $765 million, which could end up being more than $800 million.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried works against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning on September 29, 2021 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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The Yankees still have other holes to fill, especially at the infield corners and on the left side, but they have been linked to Nolan Arenado, Christian Walker and Teoscar Hernandez.
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