Max Fried makes deep impact in first Yankees mound session, sounds out big Bronx gain

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The Yankees’ premier offseason acquisition, Max Fried, has hit the ground running in his inaugural spring training with the organization. The left-handed virtuoso, renowned for his devastating curveball and sophisticated pitch repertoire, has already garnered widespread attention from both teammates and coaching staff. His transition from Atlanta to the Bronx carries substantial expectations, and early indicators suggest he’s prepared to exceed them.

Max Fried shows up a signature pitch

The origins of Max Fried’s exceptional ability to manipulate spin can be traced back to his early teenage years. Under the tutelage of former Major League outfielder Reggie Smith at his Encino, California baseball academy, Max Fried began mastering the intricacies of various grips and techniques. This early foundation evolved into his trademark 12-to-6 curveball, now considered among baseball’s most formidable weapons.

“Ever since I started throwing it, I’ve felt like I always had a pretty good one,” Max Fried noted. “Obviously, it’s evolved over the years; it’s not the exact same pitch that I had when I was that young, but for me, I’ve always had a feel or a knack for spinning the baseball.”

Proven excellence on the mound

Max Fried’s final chapter with the Braves showcased remarkable consistency and dominance. His 2.81 ERA across 112 starts stands as the benchmark among qualified Major League pitchers with 500+ innings during that span. The impressive 54-25 record, highlighted by five complete games and an exceptional ability to induce soft contact, established him as one of baseball’s premier left-handed starters. This sustained excellence culminated in a historic eight-year, $218 million contract, setting a new financial standard for left-handed pitchers.

His statistical dominance extends beyond traditional metrics, with a stifling .330 opponents’ slugging percentage, .612 OPS against, and an elite 54.5% ground-ball rate. These numbers paint a portrait of a pitcher who consistently neutralizes opposing offenses while maintaining exceptional efficiency.

Yankees enthusiastic about Max Fried’s arsenal

Manager Aaron Boone, who has studied Max Fried’s progression throughout his career, expressed particular enthusiasm about witnessing his arsenal firsthand.

“He’s got such a large arsenal that, watching him as a hitter, it’s hard to get a bead on him,” Boone said. “His stuff’s really good, but it’s also the mix of pitches and the movement of pitches. It’s been fun to see how much his pitches move. Ultimately, what he excels at is staying off the barrel.”

Maximizing strikeout potential

While Max Fried’s ability to suppress hard contact is well-documented, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake sees untapped potential in his strikeout numbers. Despite recording 166 strikeouts across 174 1/3 innings last season, both pitcher and coach believe there’s room for growth.

“At the end of the day, strikeouts come from consistent shapes of pitches in good locations,” Max Fried explained. “Being more consistent with pitch placement could increase those numbers. But I also know that I’ve had success getting weak contact and ground balls, which is a big part of my approach. That said, I won’t complain about striking out a few more guys.”

Rather than expanding Max Fried’s already comprehensive arsenal—which includes a fastball, two-seamer, changeup, slider, cutter, and his signature curveball—the focus remains on optimizing his existing repertoire. His 2024 pitch distribution (34% fastballs, 21% curveballs, 16% two-seamers, 14% changeups) provides a foundation for potential refinements aimed at enhancing his effectiveness.

Finding common ground with Gerrit Cole

A developing relationship with ace Gerrit Cole has facilitated Max Fried’s integration into the Yankees’ pitching corps. Their shared Southern California roots and experiences as first-round draft picks have fostered natural chemistry.

“I knew Max in passing from a couple of All-Star games,” Cole remarked. “So far, so good. I have nothing but positive things to say about what kind of person he is and the attributes he brings from a talent and performance perspective.”

Max Fried expressed similar sentiments about his new teammate: “He knows exactly what he needs to do to be successful, and he’s extremely knowledgeable and talented,” he said. “Just to be able to sit and watch him work, observe his routine, and see the way he prepares—I’m going to absorb as much as I can.”Expectations for Max Fried in 2025

Max Fried’s acquisition represents a significant enhancement to the Yankees’ championship aspirations. His sophisticated approach to pitching demonstrated his ability to generate ground balls, and the potential for increased strikeout production positioned him as a transformative presence in the rotation. The organization views him as a cornerstone figure, ensuring stability and excellence for years to come.

A reason to joy for Yankees

Max Fried’s transition to the Yankees has proceeded with remarkable smoothness, his technical prowess and professional approach already distinguishing him in camp. His comprehensive pitch selection, command, and eagerness to learn from established stars like Cole suggest he’ll be an instrumental figure in New York’s future success. As the 2025 season approaches, Fried’s role could prove pivotal in the Yankees’ pursuit of championship glory.

His initial spring training performances have established a strong foundation, generating justified excitement among the Yankees faithful about his potential impact in pinstripes. The early returns suggest that Max Fried’s addition could be a transformative element in the Yankees’ quest for their next World Series title.

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