MLB insider makes feelings known on Yankees' $218,000,000 move compared to Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell's contracts

The New York Yankees recently handed out the biggest MLB contract to a lefty pitcher in Max Fried. The 30-year-old was signed by the reigning American League pennant winners to an eight-year, $218 million deal—the fourth richest ever given to a pitcher.

In a recent episode of the "Foul Territory" podcast hosted by Eric Kratz, insider Robert Murray discussed how he felt that Fried's contract was an overpay compared to that of Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell.

"I do think the Yankees ended up overpaying for Max Fried," Murray said (8:17).

Murray further elaborated that a big part of Fried's agreement to go to the Bombers was the eighth year of his contract. The pundit said the team faced stiff competition from other MLB franchises such as the 2023 World Series champions—the Texas Rangers.

"Getting to the eighth year was a necessary thing for them to do because they had strong competition from teams like the Texas Rangers," Murray said (8:21). "The latter was a serious threat in signing Fried and adding a further eighth year to his contract was what got the team his signature."

While the MLB analyst argued that with the amount of money the Yanks shelled out, they could have secured the services of former Cy Young winners Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell, he still emphasized that it was a strong move from the front office.

"They could have ended up with Corbin Burnes or Blake Snell. But I think getting Fried was a really strong move to solidify their rotation." Muray said. (8:39)

MLB analyst discusses the reasoning behind Corbin Burnes' Arizona signing

Pundit Robert Murray further discussed on the episode how the Arizona Diamondbacks were able to sign Corbin Burnes from the prying grip of powerhouse teams.

"As far as Corbin Burnes goes, his market was really huge as he garnered interest from a bunch of teams like the Giants and the Blue Jays," Murray said (9:00). "However, it ultimately came down to be closer to Arizona where his family resides."

Murray said the decision to move to the desert boiled down to the Burnes family's residence in The Grand Canyon State. The MLB insider elaborated that it wasn't the initial reason, but it ultimately ended up as the deciding factor for the former NL Cy Young winner, as he owns a house in the Phoenix area.