Max Fried officially donned his No. 54 Yankees jersey on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his tenure in the Bronx. The left-hander signed an eight-year, $218 million deal, the largest ever for a left-handed pitcher, and expressed his excitement about joining one of baseball’s most storied franchises.

“Being a baseball fan, you understand the standard the Yankees uphold,” Fried said during his introductory press conference. “There’s a certain pride and responsibility that comes with wearing the pinstripes, and I’m thrilled to take that on.”

Max Fried’s signing reflects the Yankees’ emphasis on assembling a rotation capable of competing for championships. The southpaw arrives with a 3.07 career ERA and a reputation as a postseason performer, having pitched six scoreless innings to clinch the Braves’ 2021 World Series title.

Eyes on the prize

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For Fried, the Yankees’ championship expectations were a major draw.

“Every year, the Yankees’ goal is to win the World Series. That aligns perfectly with what I want,” he said. “I love playoff baseball, and I’m looking forward to meaningful games at Yankee Stadium.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone echoed Fried’s winning mentality, calling him “one of the game’s elite pitchers.”

The Yankees pivoted to Fried after missing out on Juan Soto, who signed with the Mets. The rotation now features Fried alongside Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil.

Over the last five seasons, Fried has emerged as one of the league’s top arms, compiling a 54-25 record with a 2.81 ERA. His ability to mix seven pitches, including a fastball, curveball, and changeup, makes him a versatile addition.

However, Fried comes with some injury concerns. He has landed on the injured list each season since 2018, including this past year for left forearm neuritis. Boone acknowledged the risk but praised Fried’s preparation and commitment.

Inspired by the Yankee culture

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Fried’s contract surpasses David Price’s $217 million deal with the Red Sox in 2016, making it the most lucrative for a left-handed pitcher. The deal includes a $20 million signing bonus, split between 2025 and 2026, and escalating salaries starting at $12 million in the first two years before jumping to $29 million annually for the final six.

This ranks Fried among the highest-paid pitchers in MLB, alongside Cole, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Stephen Strasburg.

Walking through Yankee Stadium, Fried noticed three words prominently displayed in the clubhouse: prepare, compete, and win.

“They really resonated with me,” he said. “Those words reflect everything I strive for as a competitor. I’m ready to contribute and help this team achieve its ultimate goal.”

Fried will report to spring training in Tampa, where he’ll begin his journey as a key piece of the Yankees’ rotation. With a proven track record and a passion for winning, he’s poised to make an immediate impact in the Bronx.

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