Max Fried’s gem in Cincinnati delivers two Yankees milestones

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CINCINNATI — Max Fried continues to rewrite early-season history in pinstripes. He turned a sweltering Wednesday evening into his personal showcase that put him at par with some of the franchise’s most iconic pitchers.

The New York Yankees ace didn’t just shut down the Cincinnati Reds in a 7-1 triumph — he two historic milestones for the franchise.

Fried allowed one unearned run on four hits, struck out seven, and walked one. He improved to 10-2, becoming the first pitcher in Major League Baseball to reach double-digit wins in 2025. In doing so, he joined only Tommy John (1979) and CC Sabathia (2011) as Yankees pitchers to be MLB’s first to 10 wins in a season over the last 65 years.

Fried mirrors Guidry’s legendary 1978 start

In a second milestone on Wednesday in Cincinnati, Fried also became the first Yankees pitcher since Ron Guidry in 1978 to post at least 10 wins and a sub-1.95 ERA through his first 17 starts, according to Katie Sharp.

Guidry’s 25-3 Cy Young season in 1978 is widely considered one of the greatest pitching campaigns in Yankees history. Fried now finds himself following that same trajectory. Through 17 starts, the 31-year-old boasts a 1.92 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 104 strikeouts across 108 innings.

“He’s been a stabilizing force,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Every time out, we know what we’re getting. He’s earned every bit of that record.”

Fried’s contract — an eight-year, $218 million deal signed in the offseason — is looking like one of the best investments of the winter. With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season, Fried has stepped in as the unquestioned ace.

The Yankees are 13-4 in Fried’s 17 starts. Without him on the mound, they’re 33-30.

“It’s nice, but that’s more of a team stat than an individual one,” Fried said postgame. “The goal is to win every time out.”

Defensive brilliance and stopper mentality

Beyond the box score, Fried continues to show off his defensive prowess. On Wednesday, he picked off Santiago Espinal at second base to end a potential Reds rally. It was another reminder why he’s won three Gold Gloves.

Even more importantly, Fried continues to thrive in high-pressure spots. Eight of his 10 wins have come following Yankees losses.

“That’s what an ace does,” Boone said. “He stops losing streaks and sets the tone. He’s got so many weapons, and there’s just so much movement on all of his pitches.”

Wednesday’s win snapped a two-game Yankees skid and improved their record to 46-34. They remain one game ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.

The southpaw carved through seven innings, surrendering one unearned run on four hits. More importantly, Fried provided exactly what the Yankees craved: innings, stability, and command following a grueling stretch that drained the bullpen.

“Right now, I’m not really looking that far ahead. A lot can happen between now and then,” Fried said when asked about a potential All-Star Game start in Atlanta, where he began his big-league career.

All-Star spotlight over Yankees ace

Fried’s performance may soon be rewarded in familiar territory. The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for July 15 at Truist Park — Fried’s former home with the Atlanta Braves. And with American League manager Aaron Boone holding the pencil, the path to an All-Star start may be more than ceremonial.

“That’s down the road — we’ll see,” Boone said. “He’s making a case, though.”

Fried, typically low-key, deflected talk of pitching in front of his old home fans.

“I’ve got a few more starts before the break,” he said. “A lot can happen between now and then.”

Still, the numbers stack up in Fried’s favor. He leads MLB in wins and ranks top-5 in ERA, WHIP and innings pitched. His 1.92 ERA trails only Tarik Skubal (2.29) and Garrett Crochet (2.06) among American League lefties.

Should Boone tab Fried for the All-Star start, it would mark a poetic return and a capstone to a stunning first half.

Proving his worth as Yankees’ ace

Fried’s track record as the team’s closer speaks volumes. He’s now 8-1 in games following Yankees defeats. Every time his team stumbled, Fried responded with composure and skill. The unofficial stopper role once belonged to Gerrit Cole — now it’s Fried’s domain.

“He’s showing us why they’re paying him what they’re paying him, and why he’s the guy we always thought he was going to be,” Jazz Chisholm Jr. said.

The left-hander’s arsenal features six pitches with pinpoint control. He kept Cincinnati hitters guessing all night. His seventh-inning pickoff at second base highlighted his Gold Glove defensive skills — proving he’s equally dangerous with his leather and his curveball.

“Just watching you more and more, I would not have wanted to hit off you,” said manager Aaron Boone. “He’s got so many weapons out there.”

Fried has limited opponents to two runs or fewer in 15 of his 17 starts this season. The Yankees stand 13-4 when he takes the ball. Without their ace? They’re an ordinary 33-30.

The eight-year, $218 million investment is already producing returns. With Cole sidelined for the season, Fried has embraced the ace role and brought stability to the rotation.

Fried’s outing represented more than numbers on a scorecard. It showcased leadership, perfect timing, and mental toughness wrapped into one performance. The All-Star selection process continues, but one fact stands clear: the Yankees have discovered their true ace.

For now, that reality trumps any summer recognition.

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