Max Fried wasn’t the New York Yankees’ first choice, but after losing out on the bidding war for free-agent slugger Juan Soto, they quickly turned to the left-handed ace. However, Fried is far from just a backup plan.
JUST-IN: Yankees’ Max Fried Deal Remains Their Biggest Move Since CC Sabathia—Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer
His signing could end up being one of the most impactful moves the Yankees have made since bringing in CC Sabathia. Signed to an eight-year, $218 million deal, Fried is the first legitimate left-handed ace the Yankees have had since Sabathia. Much like the newly inducted Hall of Famer, Fried was brought in with the hope of making the 2025 rotation a force that could propel the Yankees back into World Series contention.
Fried fills the gap the Yankees hoped to cover with Carlos Rodon in 2023, providing a crucial left-handed presence in a rotation that has been dominated by right-handers for years. Known for his exceptional command and ability to neutralize left-handed hitters, Fried boasts a 3.02 ERA and should thrive at Yankee Stadium. His performance in high-pressure situations speaks for itself—he was dominant during the 2021 World Series, pitching six scoreless innings in Game 6 against the Astros and finishing with a 1.70 ERA in the postseason.
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