Unfortunately, it looks like the Max Fried era with the Atlanta Braves has come to a close. And let’s be honest, this one’s going to sting. It’s not just the numbers we’re talking about here — it’s the clutch performances, the swagger on the mound, and that icy-calm demeanor in the high-stakes moments. New York fans? Congratulations, you’ve got yourself one heck of a lefty.
So, what went down? Max Fried and the New York Yankees have inked an eye-watering 8-year, $218 million contract. That’s a deal that slides Fried into some historic territory, making it the fourth-largest contract ever for a major league pitcher and setting the all-time record for a left-handed starter. Yeah, the Yankees just went all in and didn’t flinch at the price tag.
A Historic Deal for the Yankees’ New Ace
For those keeping track, this means Fried will be pulling down a cool $27.25 million a year. Every year. For the next eight seasons. If the deal doesn’t have any of those sneaky opt-outs or buyouts, Fried’s going to be wearing pinstripes until he’s 39. Can you imagine Fried at 39? Maybe the velocity dips a little, but that curveball will probably still be making batters look foolish.
Fried’s Legacy in Atlanta: Clutch, Grit, and Dominance
Let’s take a minute to appreciate what Fried did in Atlanta. He cemented himself as one of the most dependable lefties in the game over eight seasons with the Braves. A 3.07 ERA, a solid 73-36 record, and 863 strikeouts over 884.1 innings? That’s workhorse territory, especially in an era where starters are rarely allowed to go the distance. Fried even led the National League last season with two complete games and a shutout.
Let’s not forget the postseason. Sure, his playoff record has a few blemishes like the rough outings against the Astros and the Padres. But Fried’s Game 6 performance in the 2021 World Series was legendary. Six scoreless innings, four hits, and a 7-0 win to bring the trophy back to Atlanta. That’s the kind of moment that fans replay in their heads for decades.
What’s Next for the Braves Without Fried?
But now, the Braves face a massive hole in their rotation. With Fried gone, it’s up to Chris Sale to anchor the staff. While Sale’s coming off an NL Cy Young year, the loss of Fried’s consistency, ability to log innings, and presence as a go-to ace is going to be felt.
For Yankees fans, though? This is a dream scenario. Fried brings durability, poise, and the kind of stuff that plays anywhere, especially in Yankee Stadium’s high-pressure cauldron. If he can stay healthy — a big if for any pitcher with this many miles on the odometer — he’s exactly the kind of ace who can elevate a team from contender to champion.
So, while Braves fans might be feeling a little bitter today, there’s no denying Max Fried gave them everything he had. And now, he’s off to do the same for the Yankees. Time to see if those pinstripes fit him just as well as that Braves jersey did.
