TAMPA — Max Fried Keeps It Simple
Max Fried doesn’t require much fuss as an ace.
This spring has been pretty standard for the Yankees, but Fried is quickly finding his place as he prepares for the season opener in San Francisco.
With the team anticipating the early return of Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole from the injured list, Fried’s role as a key player in the rotation is crucial. It’s worth noting, though, that part of his attraction to the team was the chance to join a dominant trio.
“He’s met our expectations,” manager Aaron Boone commented at Steinbrenner Field after Fried pitched 5 1/3 innings, throwing 75 pitches in a 6-4 loss to the Phillies. “He’s clearly passionate about the game. When you spend a year with someone, it’s easy to see who really cares. He adores pitching and takes pride in being part of a team. You know, he embodies that team-first mentality, much like Aaron Judge. He’s a responsible guy who holds both himself and his teammates to high standards.”
Boone chuckled, mentioning that while Fried possibly stepping into a center field position is unlikely, it’s a fun thought. After all, Fried is a four-time Gold Glove winner and a former Silver Slugger, so he’d probably handle it well.
Instead, the focus remains on asking Fried to replicate the performance he delivered during his first season in New York.
Last year, he made 32 starts, pitched over 195 innings, and recorded a solid 2.86 ERA, despite battling blisters that affected his rhythm late in the season—all while meeting the initial requirements of his eight-year, $218 million contract.
Now, with a year under his belt, Fried feels comfortable in the Bronx and is secure in a rotation that, admittedly, includes some less experienced pitchers like Cam Schritler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, and Lewis Gil.
“It’s a different role for sure, but Carlos and Gerrit are still around,” Fried remarked. “They’ll be there to support me, and anything I can do to help the team, I’m eager to do. We all share the same goal: winning and performing well.”
Fried is also focused on the fundamentals, evident during a fielding practice session where he took the lead, energizing a typically dull drill of spring training.
“He’s been driving a lot of our conversations,” Boone said. “He’s been vocal in drills and pushing players, setting expectations and standards.”
During Saturday’s exhibition, Fried was charged with an error for a pickoff throw that went awry due to Jazz Chisholm Jr. dropping the ball. This mishap contributed to one of three runs allowed on five hits, but he didn’t walk any batters and appeared to have good command—possibly better than all spring.
Fried is ready to make any final tweaks before the season opener against the Giants next week, continuing to stabilize the rotation until a key veteran is back.
“When I signed, I was excited about pitching alongside Gerrit and Carlos, given their accomplishments and skills,” Fried said. “They’re among the best in baseball, and I’m eager to learn from them and bond personally.”
