The Atlanta Braves have stunned the baseball world by pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire a 30-year-old, five-time All-Star slugger, further cementing their status as World Series contenders. However, the move has reignited debates about long-term contracts and their potential pitfalls, especially given recent examples.
Bleacher Report recently flagged Braves ace Max Fried’s new deal as one of the biggest potential nightmare contracts in the future. The Braves’ largest free-agent deal in history remains the four-year, $65 million contract signed by Marcell Ozuna in 2021. Yet, Fried’s extension represents a much more significant financial commitment.
Known for his ability to age gracefully as a pitcher, Fried has been compared to a fine wine, continuously refining his craft each offseason. Even as his physical abilities decline with age, his pitching artistry is expected to keep him competitive. Yet, concerns remain.
Fried’s name has also been linked to the New York Yankees, who recently signed the southpaw to an eight-year, $218 million deal—the richest contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher. While such deals can cripple smaller-market teams, franchises like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Mets have the financial muscle to absorb these risks.
Still, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer ranks Fried’s contract among the top 10 most likely to turn sour by 2027. “ZiPS projects Fried’s next eight seasons to be worth just $120 million,” Rymer noted. “That’s roughly half of what the Yankees are paying, and there’s no shortage of red flags.”
Fried’s injury history is central to the skepticism. He underwent Tommy John surgery as a prospect and has dealt with forearm strains, including one in 2023 that sidelined him for three months. Despite these setbacks, Fried delivered 174.1 innings with a 3.25 ERA last season—numbers still considered elite.
By the end of 2027, the Yankees will owe Fried $189 million over six years, a significant financial burden for a pitcher entering his mid-30s. Yet, for an organization chasing championships, the gamble could pay off. As Rymer aptly states, “If the Yankees win a World Series with Fried, the contract will be worth it.”
For the Braves, the acquisition of their new All-Star slugger signals their continued commitment to building a powerhouse roster. However, the broader conversation about high-stakes contracts serves as a cautionary tale for teams across the league.
Leave a Reply