Yankees Sign Max Fried to Record Deal

The New York Yankees have signed Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, marking a significant move after missing out on Juan Soto and Blake Snell during free agency. Fried, a two-time All-Star and former Atlanta Braves pitcher, is expected to bolster the Yankees' starting rotation alongside Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has acknowledged the team's depth in pitching and expressed openness to trades involving other pitchers. John Smoltz praised the signing, highlighting Fried's elite capabilities and potential impact in New York, despite concerns over his injury history. The Yankees' aggressive approach in negotiations included leveraging personal connections and outbidding other teams, solidifying Fried's status as the highest-paid left-handed pitcher in MLB history. As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, they are also exploring additional roster improvements, with Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker among their targets.