Yankees Secure Max Fried with Record-Breaking Contract

Fried's eight-year, $218 million deal bolsters New York's rotation as Gerrit Cole recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Max Fried signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the Yankees, the largest deal ever for a left-handed pitcher.
Fried chose the Yankees over the Red Sox and Rangers, citing a 'gut feeling' about his decision.
The Yankees pursued Fried after losing Juan Soto in free agency, seeing him as a critical addition to their injury-depleted rotation.
Fried delivered a strong spring training performance, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Red Sox with seven ground-ball outs.
He is set to start the Yankees' second game of the regular season on March 29, following Carlos Rodón's Opening Day start.