F SOTO. THE YANKEES MADE A MONSTER MOVE!

The New York Yankees have done it again! The Bronx Bombers have made a monumental splash in the free-agent market, landing superstar left-hander Max Fried on an eight-year, $218 million deal, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. This move is massive for a team looking to solidify its rotation and make a statement in their quest for championship glory. The agreement, pending a physical, is one of the most significant contracts in Yankees history and marks the largest deal ever for a lefty pitcher in Major League Baseball.

Credit where it’s due: Bleeding Yankee Blue has been on top of this from the start. We’ve been carefully watching the market and calling this exact move for a hot minute. Yes, folks, we suggested that Max Fried would end up in pinstripes, and here we are—an incredible get for the Yankees and a testament to their ability to outmaneuver the competition.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the deal includes no deferred money or opt-out clauses, signaling the Yankees’ full commitment to Fried as a cornerstone of their rotation. Joel Sherman of the New York Post adds that the contract also comes with a full no-trade clause, locking Fried in as a Yankee for the foreseeable future. The competition was fierce, with the Red Sox and Rangers reportedly in hot pursuit, but the Yankees’ deep pockets and determination sealed the deal.

Let’s talk about why this move is so monumental. After missing out on Juan Soto in a bidding war, the Yankees had financial flexibility to go all-in on the market’s top unsigned pitcher. And that’s exactly what they did. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Yankees initially considered a seven-year deal but were willing to stretch to eight years to secure Fried’s elite talent.

Make no mistake—this is a game-changer in my opinion. Fried’s consistency and dominance on the mound have been unmatched by all but one pitcher in recent years. Since his first full season in 2019, Fried boasts a spectacular 3.07 ERA over 824 2/3 innings. Only one pitcher has bested him in both categories over that span: Gerrit Cole. Now, Cole and Fried will form a devastating one-two punch at the top of the Yankees’ rotation. Nice. The Yankees’ ability to outbid Boston and Texas for Fried’s services is a testament to their determination and allure as a franchise. The Red Sox and Rangers both aggressively pursued Fried, but the Yankees’ willingness to offer that eighth year—and their undeniable prestige—gave them the edge. 

Though Fried's career includes up-and-down postseason performances, it's impossible to forget his six shutout innings in Atlanta's World Series-clinching Game 6 in 2021. That performance showcased his ability to dominate on the biggest stage, a trait that will be invaluable in pinstripes.

And let’s not forget Fried’s ability to rise to the occasion. This is a pitcher built for the spotlight, and there’s no bigger stage than Yankee Stadium. Expect him to thrive under the bright lights of New York and deliver in high-stakes moments.

For all the skeptics who doubted this move was possible, we’ve got just one thing to say: Bleeding Yankee Blue wanted it!  With Fried now in the fold, the Yankees’ rotation is absolutely loaded. Pairing him with Cole, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt creates a rotation with depth, versatility, and firepower. This move not only improves the Yankees’ chances in 2024 but also sets them up for long-term success. The only thing better would be to now sign Corbin Burnes and unload Nestor Cortes.

Look Yankees fans, get excited. This is the kind of move that changes the trajectory of a franchise. Welcome to the Bronx, Max Fried—we can’t wait to see you dominate in pinstripes!