Max Fried, a standout left-handed pitcher, has signed a historic $218 million, eight-year contract with the New York Yankees, making it the largest deal ever for a southpaw. At Yankee Stadium, Fried joked about spoiling his dog Apollo with food, a nod to his Greek mythology-inspired name that amusingly echoes “Apollo Creed” from the Rocky films.
Fried joins a formidable Yankees rotation that includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Marcus Stroman. Having spent eight seasons in Atlanta, where he played a pivotal role in their 2021 World Series victory, Fried admitted his surprise at landing in New York. However, the allure of the Yankees’ storied franchise and their “prepare, compete, win” ethos resonated with him.
New York’s aggressive offseason moves reflect its determination to end a championship drought dating back to 2009. After losing Juan Soto to the Mets, the Yankees acquired Fried, closer Devin Williams, and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Manager Aaron Boone highlighted Fried’s mix of quiet confidence and on-field intensity, recalling a standout performance against the Yankees in Atlanta.
Despite a decorated career, including two All-Star selections and three Gold Gloves, Fried has faced injury challenges, particularly with blisters exacerbated by Atlanta’s humid summers. Now 30, Fried brings a diverse arsenal of seven pitches, including a fastball averaging 93.9 mph. This year, he went 11-10 with a 3.25 ERA, 166 strikeouts, and a career-high 57 walks over 174 1/3 innings.
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake sees further potential in Fried’s pitching repertoire, hinting at continued evolution under his guidance. Fried’s contract includes a $20 million signing bonus and full no-trade protection, reflecting the Yankees’ confidence in his ability to help lead them back to championship glory.
