After missing out on a Juan Soto reunion this weekend, the New York Yankees made their move in free agency, signing left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year contract worth $218 million. Fried’s signing will give the Yankees a star-studded rotation, with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon at the top. American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is number four, while Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Marcus Stroman battle for fifth place.
It seems possible that at least one of those three is now a trade candidate, if not two of the three.
While Fried’s contract count is large, so is his production history. In fact, he hasn’t been at the top of an impressive league history over the past five years.
According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com:
lowest ERA since the beginning of 2020 (min. 550 IP):
Max Fried: 2.81
Corbin Burnes: 2.88
Zack Wheeler: 2.94
Max Scherzer: 3.02
Gerrit Cole: 3.12
Framber Valdez: 3.12
lowest ERA since the beginning of 2020 (min. 550 IP):
Max Fried: 2.81
Corbin Burnes: 2.88
Zack Wheeler: 2.94
Max Scherzer: 3.02
Gerrit Cole: 3.12
Framber Valdez: 3.12 https://t.co/MNEl2uZk8H— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) December 10, 2024
Fried, who is about to turn 31 years old, helped the Braves win the World Series in 2021. He will try to help New York win the World Series this season after they fell three wins short in this year’s Fall Classic against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He is a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glover with a lifetime record of 73-36 and a lifetime ERA of 3.07.
In addition to Fried, the Yankees are expected to continue making splashes on the free agent market. They are also linked to both Christian Walker and Alex Bregman.
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