Two-time All-Star Max Fried and the New York Yankees have agreed to an eight-year, $218 million contract, sources told ESPN – the largest guarantee ever for a left-handed pitcher.

The deal, which is still pending physical negotiation, adds to one of the most intense rotations in baseball.

The 30-year-old Fried, who developed into one of the National League’s best pitchers in seven years with the Braves, is a two-time All-Star with a 2.81 ERA over the last five seasons in Atlanta – leading the majors just ahead of Corbin Burnes (2.88) among MLB starters during this period.

While he doesn’t overwhelm hitters with his raw ability, his artistry on the mound is beyond reproach and his ability to go deep in games has been attractive to teams looking for an Opening Day-type starter. were.

While Fried’s career includes varied postseason appearances, his six shutout innings in the decisive Game 6 of the World Series in Atlanta in 2021 cannot be forgotten. He came to Atlanta as the headliner in a trade for Justin Upton after undergoing Tommy John surgery following two disappointing seasons in San Diego’s farm system.

The No. 7 pick in the 2012 draft, Fried was considered a classic spin-heavy left-hander whose control would be his greatest strength.

This proved prophetic. Fried’s best throws are his curveball and his slider, and while models rate his fastball as below average, his command – and ability to mix up throws – has brought him continued success. Over the past five years, he ranked third among all pitchers in WAR and 11th by FanGraphs, according to Baseball-Reference.

The biggest question surrounding Fried is whether he can develop into the rarest type of starter: prolific and prolific. In 2022, he pitched a career-high 185.1 innings.

In 2024, with Braves co-ace Spencer Strider sidelined after Tommy John surgery, Fried posted a 3.25 ERA in 174.1 innings, striking out 166, walking 57, allowing just 13 home runs and leading the MLB two complete games. His annual ERAs in the four previous seasons: 2.25, 3.04, 2.48 and 2.55.

The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers were also involved in the Fried pursuit.