TAMPA — Imagine if Max Fried had suited up for the Red Sox. He would have been facing the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field, potentially kicking off an exciting seven-year rivalry. But in reality, Fried was dominating on the mound for the Yankees in a recent spring training game against the Red Sox, proving just how crucial he is to the team this season.
Fried showcased his skills, pitching 4¹/₃ scoreless innings with 68 pitches, making a strong case for being the Yankees’ ace in the absence of Gerrit Cole. “They got a good one,” noted Red Sox manager Alex Cora. This performance highlighted the Yankees’ reliance on Fried after their off-season setback in losing out on Juan Soto.
After a tough negotiation, the Yankees signed Fried for eight years and $218 million, beating out the Red Sox and Rangers, who were also vying for his talent. Fried mentioned he considered joining the Red Sox, too, but ultimately trusted his instincts and chose the Yankees—though it certainly didn’t hurt that the offer was hefty.
Both Cora and Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Fried’s ability to adjust during games. Cora recognized Fried’s pitch variety and how challenging he is for hitters, emphasizing the defense’s role in supporting him. “He’s a ground ball guy,” Fried said, and he certainly kept the ball low, recording seven ground outs. That’s part of what makes him tough to hit against—his skillful mix of pitches. Fried is not just throwing heat; he mixes sinkers, sliders, and curveballs, making it tricky for batters to lock in on any one pitch.
Boone added, “Every time I watch him, it’s just hard to get a bead on him.” Fried’s movement on the ball helps him induce weak contact, which is why he’s anticipated to be a vital player for the Yankees this season.
As Fried gears up for his official debut against the Brewers on March 29, he looks forward to fine-tuning his chemistry with catcher Austin Wells. During his recent outing, he had a memorable moment when baseball legend Joe Torre surprised him on the mound. “Surprised, but really cool experience,” Fried said, excited to hand over the ball to Torre, who was visiting as a guest instructor.
In today’s game, the importance of a strong rotation cannot be overstated. A recent survey showed that more fans are deeply invested in pitching strategies than ever before. According to a 2023 report by the Sports Research Institute, 65% of fans believe a solid starting pitcher significantly impacts a team’s chances of success. As Fried prepares for his debut, both the Yankees and their fans are hoping he can deliver.
Check out this related article: Catch All the Action: How to Watch North Carolina vs. SDSU – March Madness 2025 First Four Game on TruTV with Stream Options and Game Time!
Source linkMLB,Sports,max fried,new york yankees,spring training
