"Deserves every dollar" - Jack Flaherty reacts to left-hander Max Fried's $218M contract with Yankees
The New York Yankees made their first big splash in the offseason following their World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 season. The Bronx Bombers strengthened their rotation with All-Star ace Max Fried.
MLB insider Jeff Passan was first to break the news on Tuesday as the Yankees won the race for the coveted left-handed pitcher in free agency. According to Passan, the Yankees' $218 million contract over eight years for Max Fried is the largest guarantee for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history.
"BREAKING: Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on an eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher."
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, who had a memorable 2024 season with reigning World Series winners, reacted to the Yankees signing Fried to the fourth-largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history.
"YES SIR," he wrote in the caption sharing Passan's post.
"Deserves every dollar. Congrats my guy."
Max Fried made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2017 and remained with the team before joining the Yankees this offseason. He helped the Braves to a World Series title in 2021.
According to reports, the New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox were interested in signing the veteran pitcher. However, the Bronx Bombers won the race for the two-time All-Star and has a no-trade clause in his contract. He joins a rotation that features Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes.
Jack Flaherty a potential target for Baltimore Orioles in free agency
Jack Flaherty was traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Dodgers during the 2024 season and Flaherty proved his credentials by helping the team to a World Series win.
Flaherty has since walked into free agency at the end of the season and per the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, is a target for AL East team, Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles are looking to strengthen their rotation after Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes became a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.