Max Fried signs historic $218 million deal with New York Yankees

Jewish baseball superstar Max Fried has inked an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, making history as the highest-paid Jewish player and left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball.

Fried, who turns 31 in January, leaves the Atlanta Braves after a stellar eight-year tenure that included a World Series championship and multiple accolades. He joins a Yankees team looking to rebound after a World Series defeat and the loss of outfielder Juan Soto, who signed a record $765 million deal with the Mets.

The Los Angeles native grew up idolizing Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, another legendary Jewish southpaw. Now, Fried will likely spend the remainder of his career in New York City, home to the largest Jewish population in the world.

Fried joins fellow Jewish pitcher Scott Effross, who has been with the Yankees since 2022 but missed much of the past two seasons due to injury. The Yankees also have Jewish pitching prospect Eric Reyzelman rising through their farm system, giving Jewish fans even more reason to cheer.

Fried brings an impressive resume to the Bronx. Over 151 career starts, he has a 3.07 ERA, two All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and a runner-up finish in the 2022 National League Cy Young race.

In 2024, Fried posted an 11-10 record with a 3.25 ERA and 166 strikeouts across 174.1 innings. His new contract surpasses David Price’s 2015 deal with the Red Sox, setting a record for left-handed pitchers, and doubles the previous highest deal for a Jewish player, Alex Bregman’s $100 million extension with the Astros in 2019.

Fried’s landmark deal sets the stage for other Jewish players in free agency. Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion, is expected to command a contract that could eclipse Fried’s. Rumored favorites for Bregman’s services include the Astros and Red Sox.

Other Jewish players currently in free agency include Joc Pederson, Kevin Pillar, and Rowdy Tellez, ensuring this offseason remains a historic one for Jewish representation in baseball.

With his signing, Fried not only cements his place in MLB history but also brings excitement to the Yankees as they look to reclaim their spot atop the league.

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