BREAKING: Yankees Agree to $218 Million Eight-Year Deal With Max Fried

The New York Yankees have made a significant offseason acquisition, signing free-agent left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This contract, which carries an average annual value of $27.25 million, represents the largest guaranteed deal ever awarded to a left-handed pitcher. Fried, who will turn 31 before the start of the 2025 season, is now under contract through his age-39 season.

Fried’s 2024 Performance and Career Highlights

Fried had a stellar 2024 season, earning his second career All-Star nod. Over 174 1/3 innings, he posted a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top pitchers. His postseason pedigree adds further value—Fried has made 20 playoff starts, including two World Series appearances, giving him the kind of October experience the Yankees will rely on as they aim to return to championship contention.

Yankees’ Offseason Strategy

This move follows the Yankees’ unsuccessful pursuit of Juan Soto, signaling the team’s determination to strengthen their roster quickly. Adding Fried provides an elite complement to Gerrit Cole at the top of the rotation, giving New York one of the most formidable starting duos in the league. With Fried’s consistency and postseason success, the Yankees appear focused on addressing a key area of need to compete at the highest level.

The deal not only solidifies the Yankees’ rotation but also sets the tone for what could be an aggressive offseason as the team looks to reclaim its championship-winning form.