Max Fried is not only adjusting to a new team and league, but he is also under the intense pressure of pitching in New York and living up to a record-breaking contract for a left-handed pitcher.
On top of that, the 31-year-old from California is stepping in to fill the gap left by reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, who is sidelined for about three months with a lat injury.
It’s a huge task for the steady Fried, who was evacuated from Santa Monica Hospital as an infant during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Manager’s Praise
“You can tell he’s really excited to be here, and it shows,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters after Fried’s spring training debut on Monday. “He’s fully invested in getting to know his teammates and the organization. He’s been a sponge, open to everything, and really leaning into being here. He’s coachable.”
Max Fried
Fried made a strong first impression on the Yankees when he showed up in a black tie for his introductory press conference. Now, his focus is on staying healthy and avoiding the arm issues that have plagued him in recent seasons.
The 6’4″ left-hander spent the first eight years of his career with the Atlanta Braves, where he was the winning pitcher in Game 6 of the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros. However, the Braves, known for their budget-conscious approach, didn’t engage in a bidding war when his contract expired. The Yankees swooped in, offering him an eight-year, $215 million deal—the largest and longest ever given to a left-hander.
In his Yankees debut, Fried, sporting a retro white Yankees cap with pinstripes, threw 49 pitches against Pittsburgh at George M. Steinbrenner Field, including four of his signature curveballs—one of the best in the game.
Fried is also known for his all-around athleticism. He won the last National League Silver Slugger award for a pitcher in 2021, hitting .273 in a season before the universal designated hitter rule was implemented. A three-time Gold Glove winner, he also has an exceptional pick-off move.
With a lifetime record of 73-36 and a solid 3.07 earned run average, Fried has never had a losing season since becoming a full-time starter in 2019.
Boone is thrilled to have him on board, calling Fried “engaging” and admiring his mentality.
The Yankees were able to secure Fried thanks to unspent funds from their unsuccessful pursuit of free agent Juan Soto, who ended up signing with the Mets.
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