Following the New York Yankees' loss of Juan Soto to the Mets, the team has made a significant move, signing star pitcher Max Fried to a historic contract. The eight-year, $218 million agreement marks the largest ever for a left-handed pitcher.

Fried, known for his consistent performance with the Atlanta Braves, boasts a career ERA of 3.07 and a remarkable 2.81 ERA since 2020, the lowest in baseball among pitchers with at least 90 starts during that period. In 2024, he maintained a 3.23 ERA across 29 starts.

While the deal represents a potential risk given Fried's age (he turns 31 next month), it solidifies the Yankees' rotation as one of the league's best. The acquisition also prevents Fried from joining the rival Boston Red Sox, who were also reportedly interested.

Fried joins Gerrit Cole as a co-ace, bolstering a rotation that also includes Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, a resurgent Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt, who posted a career-best 2.85 ERA in 15 starts.

With Fried's substantial contract, estimated at over $27 million annually, the Yankees are expected to part ways with either Marcus Stroman or Nestor Cortes. Fried's pitching style, characterized by a high ground ball rate and low average exit velocity, adds a valuable dimension to the team's pitching staff.

This move comes after the Yankees' unsuccessful pursuit of Juan Soto, who opted for a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, potentially exceeding $800 million with incentives. The Yankees reportedly offered Soto $760 million over 16 years.

Despite addressing a key need in their rotation, the Yankees still face roster gaps, particularly at infield corners and left field. However, they have been linked to players like Nolan Arenado, Christian Walker, and Teoscar Hernandez, suggesting further moves may be on the horizon.