Max Fried wins elite defensive accolade exceeding Yankees projections

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees expected Max Fried to stabilize their rotation when they signed him to an eight-year, $218 million contract.

What they may not have fully anticipated is just how much value he would bring away from the mound.

On Thursday, the left-hander earned the prestigious Sports Info Solutions Fielding Bible Award, recognized as baseball’s top defensive pitcher.

Yankees ace dominates defensive metrics across the board

Max Fried’s defensive brilliance in 2025 has been unmatched. He led all pitchers with 10 Defensive Runs Saved, the highest total by any pitcher since Dallas Keuchel’s 12 in 2021. The Yankees southpaw picked up 4 Runs Saved by turning batted balls into outs and another 4 by neutralizing opponents’ running game.

“The honor recognizes Max as the top defensive pitcher in baseball,” the Yankees posted on X, celebrating their ace’s achievement.

The raw numbers underscore his defensive value. Fried recorded a league-best 39 assists. He also finished with seven combined pickoffs and pitcher-caught stealings, the second most in Major League Baseball. These statistics highlight why the Yankees’ investment in him has already paid off in more ways than one.

Second Fielding Bible Award validates consistent excellence

This honor marks the second Fielding Bible Award of Fried’s career. His first came in 2020 while anchoring the Atlanta Braves rotation. The gap between his two awards illustrates a track record of consistency that convinced the Yankees to commit long term.

Selection for the award involves a panel of 10 to 15 analysts, writers, and evaluators. They rely on advanced statistics, scouting input, and baseball instincts. Fried’s unanimous selection reflects his dominance across multiple aspects of defense.

Mark Simon of Sports Info Solutions said Fried’s value was not limited to one area. Instead, his contributions covered pickoffs, fielding comebackers, and converting outs, separating him from other elite pitchers who tend to excel in just one defensive category.

Max Fried’s defensive stats in 2025

• 10 Defensive Runs Saved, most by any pitcher in MLB
• 39 assists, highest among pitchers
• 7 combined pickoffs and pitcher-caught stealings, second most in MLB
• 4 Runs Saved on batted balls turned into outs
• 4 Runs Saved neutralizing the running game
• 4.8 WAR, ranking among top MLB pitchers in 2025

Historical achievement places Fried among Yankees elite

Fried is now the first Yankees pitcher to win a Fielding Bible Award since catcher Jose Trevino earned recognition in 2022. His success adds another name to the franchise’s rich defensive history and shows the organization’s emphasis on acquiring complete players.

The award also comes at a time when the Yankees have focused on defensive upgrades across their roster. Fried’s athleticism and glove give New York an edge that can often swing tight contests. His ability to cover first base, handle bunts, and field ground balls provides the type of value that rarely shows up in pitching statistics but proves critical in key situations.

Defensive excellence transforms pitching dynamics

Opponents have been forced to adjust their game plans when Fried takes the mound. His quick reflexes and accurate throws discourage bunting and keep base runners in check. These small but significant details add up across a season and change the flow of games.

Yankees coaches have pointed out how Fried’s defense influences positioning. With his range and ability to handle his position, infielders can shift strategically against specific batters. This ripple effect helps maximize defensive alignments and minimizes offensive opportunities for opponents.

Recognition extends beyond individual achievement

While San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey earned the overall Defensive Player of the Year award and the Chicago Cubs won Defensive Team of the Year, Fried’s recognition carries unique weight. Pitchers often receive less attention for defense, which makes his award particularly meaningful within the game.

The Fielding Bible Awards are respected across baseball for going beyond traditional fielding percentage and embracing advanced data. Fried’s win confirms that his value is measured by more than ERA and strikeouts.

Yankees investment yields immediate returns

When the Yankees signed Fried, the expectation was for him to anchor the staff with consistent pitching. What they now see is an ace who delivers with his arm and his glove. His defensive strength provides a bonus that validates the front office’s heavy investment.

Fried’s skills are especially important in the postseason. In October, when every run counts, his ability to make defensive plays under pressure is as valuable as his command on the mound. The Yankees now have a pitcher who can impact games in multiple ways.

Setting new standards for modern pitchers

Fried is changing the perception of pitchers as defensive weak points. His athletic approach shows that pitchers can and should contribute more on defense. That example resonates through the Yankees farm system, where young pitchers now have a model for balancing pitching with fielding.

The game itself is shifting in that direction. Organizations want players who can influence all phases of competition, and Fried’s success reflects that. His defensive dedication, from footwork to throwing accuracy, comes from countless hours of practice that many pitchers skip.

The Yankees recognize this attention to detail as part of what makes him special. His smooth glove work and accurate throws resemble those of an infielder, not just a pitcher.

As New York continues building its championship hopes around him, Fried’s Fielding Bible Award is more than a trophy. It proves the Yankees’ investment has brought them more than they could have expected, positioning the team well as they chase their ultimate goal of another World Series crown.

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