Early Beginnings
TAMPA, Fla. – It all started for Max Fried around the age of 12 or 13 when he discovered a rare gift—the ability to make a baseball move in mesmerizing ways.
From a young age, this left-handed pitcher began honing the craft that would later define his career: a spectacular 12-to-6 curveball that stands out in Major League Baseball.
Looking back, Fried recognizes that his knack for spinning the ball has always been innate.
While his technique has evolved over the years, the fundamentals he grasped early on have remained a strong foundation.
His captivating pitch has been a part of his repertoire since the start.
Transition to the Yankees
In his first mound session with the Yankees, Fried captivated everyone present—from his new teammates to the coaching staff and manager—by showcasing his signature curveball.
He credits much of his success to former Major League player Reggie Smith, who trained him at a baseball academy in Encino, California.
Under Smith’s mentorship, Fried learned various grips and pitching techniques that have become integral to his game.
Fried’s five-season tenure with the Braves speaks volumes about his capabilities on the mound.
With an impressive 2.81 ERA over 112 starts, he holds the best record among any pitcher who has thrown at least 500 innings during that span.
His track record, which includes a 54-25 win-loss record and five complete games, demonstrates his exceptional consistency and quality.
Last December, his achievements earned him an eye-popping eight-year contract for $218 million at the Winter Meetings, marking it as the largest contract ever handed to a left-handed pitcher and the fourth biggest for any pitcher overall.
The Yankees are eager to see if this investment pays off.
Future Prospects
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his admiration for Fried’s diverse pitching arsenal, noting how this variety poses a unique challenge for hitters.
Boone relished the opportunity to witness the impressive movement and unpredictability of Fried’s pitches firsthand.
Pitching coach Matt Blake sees a bright future for Fried.
Having been a two-time All-Star with the Braves, Blake is confident that the Yankees can help him elevate his strikeout rate, which stood at 166 in 174 1/3 innings last season.
Fried himself is aware of the room for growth, yet he’s grounded in his current strengths—namely, his knack for inducing ground balls and weak contact.
As Fried acclimates to his new surroundings, he’s forged a connection with ace Gerrit Cole.
Both former first-round draft picks hail from Southern California, and Cole has nothing but praise for Fried, highlighting his impressive talent and character.
Fried, in return, looks up to Cole and admires his focused approach to the game.
He respects Cole’s reputation as one of the league’s top pitchers and sees an opportunity to learn from someone who exemplifies skill and preparation.
As Fried embarks on his new chapter with the Yankees, there’s a palpable excitement among his teammates and fans alike as they anticipate a thrilling season ahead.
