MLB Rumors: Max Fried and Yankees Reach an Agreement on an Eight-Year, $218M Contract in Free Agency

Unfortunately for them though, I can only see these people taking out loans at very high interest. So much for their plan being successful though! Matthew Grimes Jr/Atlanta Braves/Getty ImagesAfter an impressive eight-year run with Atlanta Braves, Max Fried has found great fortune by inking an eight-year contract worth $218 Million with New York Yankees during free agency. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Max has agreed upon an 8 year / $218 Million agreement which is subject to physicals: Passan reports it on Twitter as sources tell ESPN: Fried is receiving baseball history’s largest guaranteed contract ever for left-handed pitchers.This news follows on the heels of Juan Soto signing an 15 year, $765 Million contract with New York Mets last week.He had originally been selected by San Diego Padres with the No.2 pick. Fried was selected No. 7 overall in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft and spent two seasons with them before being traded to Atlanta as part of Justin Upton deal in December 2014 (while recovering from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of 2015). At that time of trading he was recovering from Tommy John surgery which kept him sidelined all year long and forced the trade. Fried returned to action in 2016 before making his MLB debut late in 2017. But it wasn’t until 2019 when Fried established himself in Atlanta’s rotation and had an outstanding year due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions of 60 games per year in 2020 season. Lefty lefty Fried compiled an undefeated record and 2.25 earned run average, finishing fifth in National League Cy Young voting. Fried’s worst season by ERA came during 2024 when he recorded 29 starts for 3.25 mark. He earned All-Star honors twice over the past three seasons and finished second in National League Cy Young voting last season (2022). Additionally, this 30-year-old started and won Game 6 against Houston Astros during 2021 World Series championship series for Atlanta Braves. After Atlanta lost to San Diego Padres last postseason in six innings in a playoff-like situation, Fried expressed hopes that both parties might come to an agreement regarding his long-term contract extension and keep him. “[Wearing a Braves uniform] means everything,” Fried noted. “They gave me my chance at major league ball. “While I can only speculate as to the outcome, I have loved every minute and hope for many more! With Fried gone from their lineup next season will likely present many difficulties for them as they attempt to navigate an unpredictable transition period.” Spencer Strider could miss some time at the beginning of 2025 as he recovers from elbow surgery; his decision to opt for internal brace treatment rather than Tommy John could help speed his return sooner. Chris Sale had an outstanding 2024 season that earned him an NL Cy Young, but at 36 he will likely start off next season without pitching due to back issues that prevented playoff appearance. While Fried will join Braves’ pitching staff going forward he may prove valuable addition. Fred Fried has proven one of the most reliable starters in baseball since 2019; his 18.4 FanGraphs’ wins above replacement over six seasons rank fifth among NL starters behind only Zack Wheeler (29.3), Aaron Nola (23.2), Max Scherzer (19.2) and Logan Webb (18.8). With Gerrit Cole remaining with them following some uncertainty regarding opt-out situation, and Carlos Rodon having an underwhelming 2018 campaign since signing six year, $162 Million contract with them last free agency period, adding another frontline starter will help bolstering Yankee rotation as they try to remain relevant against in 2019. Nestor Cortes Jr. is an outstanding mid-rotation starter who struggled early in 2022 before earning All-Star selection. Marcus Stroman signed with the Yankees last offseason but failed to make their playoff roster due to an up and down regular season performance. Luis Gil possesses tremendous promise with an explosive changeup that could become lethal if he can learn to control himself after walking 77 batters over 151.2 innings pitched last season. Fried will join Cole to give the Bronx Bombers an effective duo at the top of their pitching staff while moving other starters down one spot as they seek redemption after being knocked out in five games by Los Angeles Dodgers last October.