The Yankees introduced their newest addition to the rotation, left-handed pitcher Max Fried, at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, after signing him to a record-setting eight-year, $218 million contract—the largest ever for a left-handed pitcher.
Welcome to the BX, Max 👏 pic.twitter.com/tUILPHwvet
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 18, 2024
Fried, who spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Atlanta Braves, expressed genuine enthusiasm about donning the iconic pinstripes. “When the Yankees say they’re interested in you, you perk up and you listen,” Fried remarked during the press conference. “There’s a standard, and it’s an extremely storied franchise. I just felt like a lot of values—what we value and the end goal—were fairly similar.”
Yankees GM Brian Cashman was equally enthusiastic, calling Fried “a perfect fit” for the team’s culture and goals. “We’re excited he wanted this opportunity,” Cashman said. “He’s a guy who wanted to be here, who thrives on big moments and the expectation to win,” Cashman said. “That’s the kind of player we want in New York.”
But what should excite the Yankees’ front office, and fans alike, is how Fried slots into an already loaded rotation.
Fried, 30, said he’s excited to work with his new teammates. “I’ve admired guys like Gerrit and Carlos from afar for years,” he said. “The talent in this rotation is incredible. I just want to do my part to help us win.” He joins a group headlined by 2023 Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, a fully healthy Carlos Rodón, breakout star and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, steady contributor Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman.
Over the past five seasons (2020-24), Max Fried has been nothing short of dominant. The lefty has compiled a stellar 54-25 record with a 2.81 ERA across 112 starts, logging 659 innings while allowing just 553 hits, 49 home runs, and 167 walks, with 624 strikeouts. His resume includes five complete games, four of them shutouts, and he’s delivered an ERA of 3.25 or lower in each of those five years. Notably, his 2.81 ERA over that span is the best among all Major League pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched. He also ranks second in the majors in winning percentage in that span (.684).
With Fried now in the mix, the Yankees’ rotation looks poised to dominate as they chase another AL pennant and their first World Series title since 2009. And judging by Fried’s energy and confidence at his press conference, he’s ready to be a big part of that effort.
“Putting on the pinstripes comes with responsibility,” Fried said. “I’m ready for it.
Watch full press conference:
