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(TJV) Max Fried, the star pitcher who has spent the last eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves, has reportedly inked an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees. This deal sets new records as the largest ever for both a Jewish player and a left-handed pitcher.
Fried, who turns 31 in January, entered the offseason as one of the most sought-after free agents following a standout career with the Braves, highlighted by a 2021 World Series title. He now joins a Yankees team looking to rebound from a tough year, including a World Series loss and the departure of superstar Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking $765 million contract with the Mets.
A Los Angeles native, Fried grew up idolizing Hall of Famer and fellow Jewish left-hander Sandy Koufax. He now moves to New York, home to the world’s largest Jewish population, and joins fellow Jewish pitcher Scott Effross, who has been recovering from injuries since joining the Yankees in 2022. Eric Reyzelman, another Jewish pitcher, is also progressing through the Yankees’ minor league system. Fried’s signing has sparked celebration among Jewish fans of the team.
A JEWISH MAX ON THE YANKEES! WE DID IT! https://t.co/pCbY8tgWVd
— Max Mannis (@MaxMannis) December 10, 2024
Over his career, Fried has established himself as one of MLB’s best pitchers. He holds a 3.07 ERA across 151 starts, is a two-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner, a Silver Slugger, and the runner-up for the 2022 National League Cy Young Award. In 2024, he finished with an 11-10 record, a 3.25 ERA, and 166 strikeouts over 174.1 innings.
This landmark deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, surpasses the $217 million contract David Price signed with the Red Sox in 2015, making it the highest in MLB history for a left-handed pitcher. It also eclipses the previous record for a Jewish player, doubling Alex Bregman’s $100 million extension with the Astros in 2019.
Bregman, considered the top hitter available this offseason, could still surpass Fried’s deal. The two-time All-Star and World Series champion has drawn interest from the Astros and Red Sox. Meanwhile, other notable Jewish free agents include Joc Pederson, Kevin Pillar, and Rowdy Tellez.
