Max Fried was surprised he wound up with the New York Yankees

By The Associated Press

New York Yankees' Max Fried speaks during a baseball news conference, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Frank Franklin II]

NEW YORK (AP) — Max Fried had not expected to wind up in pinstripes. The left-hander, who agreed to a $218 million, eight-year contract, says that “When the Yankees say they’re interested in you, you perk up and you listen.” His deal was agreed to last week after the Yankees lost outfielder Juan Soto to the rival Mets. “A lot of people have worn these pinstripes,” Fried said. “There’s a certain feel.” Fried’s deal is the largest for a left-handed pitcher in baseball history, $1 million more than David Price’s seven-year contract with the Boston Red Sox ahead of the 2016 season.