"Yankees vs Mets WS 2025 confirmed" - Fans react as Bronx Bombers sign Max Fried on 8-year/$218,000,000 deal after losing Juan Soto to Queens
The New York Yankees have made their first big splash this offseason, signing Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan.
As per the New York Post's Joel Sherman, Fried's contract with the Yankees, pending a physical, includes a no-trade clause along with no opt-outs or deferrals. The Boston Red Sox were also reportedly in the race to sign Fried but it seems the Yankees' offer was better in the end.
The left-handed ace's signing comes after the Yankees failed to land prized free agent Juan Soto who has reportedly agreed to a record 15-year, $765 million deal with cross-town rivals, the New York Mets.
Upon learning the news, fans drew their own conclusions. Some took a dig at the franchise for not being able to sign Soto, while others were in awe of Max Fried's abilities.
Here are some reactions from fans on social media:
"If you can’t keep Juan Soto, then atleast try and get him out," one fan commented.
"This isn’t Soto lol," another wrote.
"First contract that I actually like and makes sense," another added.
One fan concluded a potential World Series matchup next year:
"Yankees vs Mets WS 2025 confirmed".
"As a life long Red Sox fan, New York can burn for this and the Mets Soto signing," another said.
"8 yearsssssss. Fried is sick but also has an injury history. Hope he deals in the Bronx," one fan wrote.
Yankees agree to record-setting contract with Max Fried
The Yankees were one way or another going to set a new record in terms of contracts. They initially hoped it to be Juan Soto, but the fear of losing another star free agent to rivals, the Yankees flushed money on Max Fried, who became the highest-earning southpaw in the majors with this deal.
The $218 million contract topples David Price’s seven-year, $217 million contract signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2015 in the list of highest-earning left-handed pitchers in the majors.
What do you think of Max Fried's bumper contract with the New York Yankees? Will he help the Bronx Bombers make an immediate return to the World Series next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.