“Dumbest Contract I’ve Ever Seen”: Yankees’ Max Fried Signing Gets Eviscerated by Iconic Radio Host

After the Yankees’ blockbuster 8-year, $210 million signing of ace Max Fried, legendary sports radio host Mike Francesa unleashed a scathing critique of the move. Questioning its logic and long-term impact on the team. Francesa, whose opinions have long been a barometer for New York sports fans, spared no punches, calling the move a desperate attempt to cover years of front-office mismanagement.

Though Max Fried boasts achievements, like winning the World Series in 2021 and All-Star appearances with a career ERA of 3.00, Francesca expressed worry about his susceptibility to injuries during the 2024 season. Where he only played 120 innings due to arm and hamstring problems, Francesca argued that placing a significant investment in a pitcher prone to recent injuries was a risk that the Yankees should avoid at all costs. He argued that the Yankees’ decision to commit to a player with such uncertainty is emblematic of a front office overly reliant on star power to mask deeper systemic flaws.

Is Max Fried worth the gamble?

Mike Francesa talked about how the Yankees signed Max Fried as an overreaction to losing Soto. “That contract is so much an overreaction to not getting Soto; it’s unbelievable, that’s the worst contract for a pitcher, I mean, you already gave a 30-year-old pitcher who’s been injury-prone. Is he talented? yes. Does he give up home runs? no. Is he a really good pitcher? Yes. Is he durable? No,” he said, adding, I don’t care how much he makes a year; that’s fine. 8 years, I wouldn’t have given him a dime over 5 years. 8 years is one of the dumbest contracts I have ever seen.”

Francesa also pointed specifically to Max Fried’s inconsistent availability over the past two seasons, during which he dealt with forearm tightness and hamstring issues. While the left-hander remained dominant when healthy, Francesa argued that his durability concerns should have raised red flags. The move drew comparisons to past free-agent acquisitions, such as the signing of CC Sabathia in 2009. Francesa noted that while Sabathia became the cornerstone of a championship-winning rotation, Fried’s current form and injury history make him a far riskier bet.

Mike Francesa asserted that the Yankees are gambling on a pitcher who may no longer be at his peak, all while the team faces mounting pressure to return to contention. His critique didn’t stop at Max Fried’s physical reliability as he raised further concerns about the Yankees’ long-term approach, pointing out that they seem to favor attracting big-name players over investing in consistent team development. The Yankees have faced challenges in nurturing their pitching talent over the years; young pitchers such as Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil have not lived up to their potential as anticipated.

Moreover, Francesca contended that the signing of Max Fried reflects a pattern of the management opting for solutions to tackling underlying problems within the organization. He also noted that the front office is chasing headlines instead of championships, questioning: Where was the accountability for their farm system? While Francesca’s critique may have been strong, it resonated with the sentiments of Yankees supporters, tired of the team’s failed signings in free agency.

Yankees move: the new reason for divided loyalty in the Bronx

The Yankees’ signing of Max Fried has split fans in the Bronx, with opinions ranging from excitement to deep skepticism. Supporters applaud the move, pointing to Fried’s elite track record as a postseason-tested ace. Many believe his addition alongside Gerrit Cole solidifies a rotation capable of anchoring the Yankees in October. “Max Fried is exactly what this team needs, a proven winner who can handle the big moments”—comments like these surfaced on the internet.

Critics, however, are less enthusiastic, citing Fried’s injury history and the Yankees’ recurring struggles with fragile stars. “It’s Carlos Rodón 2.0,” one disappointed fan commented. Referencing Rodón’s injury-marred 2023 season, others have shared concerns about why the team is focused on pitching when their struggle with offensive inconsistency has been a significant issue in recent playoff runs. Such divided reactions underscore the uncertainty of this deal, with both sides anxiously awaiting its outcome.

Whether this move will elevate the Yankees back to championship glory or become another cautionary tale of high-risk spending remains yet to be seen. For now, the Bronx is buzzing with both hope and doubt as the franchise doubles down on its pursuit of postseason redemption.