On December 17, 2024, the New York Yankees made waves in the baseball world by signing left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract.
This monumental deal is not only a testament to Fried’s exceptional talent but also marks the largest contract ever signed by a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) history.
Max Fried: “There’s no bigger stage than pitching in New York.” pic.twitter.com/JWUM8hJONB
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 18, 2024
With this move, the Yankees are looking to bolster their pitching rotation and reinforce their pursuit of a championship title.
During his introductory press conference, Fried expressed his excitement about joining a franchise with such a storied history.
“I’m excited about being able to put the pinstripes on in Yankee Stadium, for the Yankees. It’s one of the most storied, winning franchises in sports. I want to be able to do my part in adding to that.”
Via MLB
For Fried, it wasn’t just about the biggest contract for a left-handed pitcher, it was about playing on baseball’s biggest stage.
Max Fried’s baseball journey began in Santa Monica, California, where he showed early promise as a high school standout.
Selected seventh overall in the 2012 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres, Fried’s career truly took off after being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2014.
He made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2017, quickly establishing himself as a reliable starting pitcher.
Over eight seasons with the Braves, Fried recorded a 73-36 win-loss record with a 3.07 ERA.
His defensive skills on the mound earned him multiple Gold Glove Awards, while his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was on full display during the Braves’ 2021 World Series championship run.
Max Fried’s Relationship Status And Previous Rumor
During his introductory press conference with the New York Yankees, he was accompanied by family members and a young woman, leading to heightened public interest in his relationship status.
Before delving into the identity of this woman, it’s worth revisiting Fried’s past rumored romance.
Rumors previously linked Max Fried to U.S. soccer star Rose Lavelle.
Speculation about a romantic connection between the two began after they were seen together at the 2019 ESPY Awards, with paparazzi photos fueling the buzz.
However, neither Fried nor Lavelle ever confirmed the relationship, and the two have not followed each other on social media platforms like Instagram.
Despite ongoing gossip, Rose Lavelle is believed to be single as of 2024.
She usually maintains privacy around her personal life, rarely disclosing details about her romantic relationships.
Max Fried’s Girlfriend, Reni Meyer Whalley Is A Former Professional Women’s Volleyball Player
Now, turning our attention back to the woman who accompanied Max Fried during his Yankees introductory press conference, she is none other than his girlfriend, Reni Meyer Whalley.
Her presence at the event, where she posed for photos alongside Fried and his family, offered a rare glimpse into the couple’s relationship, sparking interest among fans and media alike.
Born on December 27, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, she comes from a large family with eight siblings.
Her parents, Melanie Meyer and Tom Whalley, have played an integral role in her upbringing and success.
Reni Meyer Whalley is a former collegiate volleyball player who played as a libero and defensive specialist for the USC Trojans.
Off the volleyball court, Reni Meyer Whalley has built an impressive academic and professional resume.
She holds two bachelor’s degrees: one in Sociology from the University of Washington and another in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Southern California.
👀#MaxFried Max fried has a girlfriend……what episode did I miss pic.twitter.com/K6u3sk9vuR
— Abigail Villafuerte (@avillafuerte25) November 6, 2021
Her career path reflects her versatility and ambition.
She has worked as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at the Sunshine Volleyball Club, a Marketing Coordinator at Uni Refill System,
Currently, she is an Executive Assistant at the House of Stephanie.
She also identifies as a Licensed Aesthetician, according to her Instagram Profile.
While Reni maintains a relatively private online presence, her Instagram account offers a subtle nod to her relationship with Fried.
Though her profile is set to private, her display picture reportedly features an image of herself alongside Max, hinting at the closeness of their bond.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Max Fried was born on January 18, 1994.
- He was born to Carrie and Jonathan Fried.
- His younger brother Jake follows Max’s footsteps, as a pitcher.
