TAMPA, Fla. – Max Fried took to the mound at Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday but in a different uniform, pitching for the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox. With Gerrit Cole out, Fried showcased himself as a crucial component of the Yankees’ pitching rotation.
Fried, who delivered 4¹/₃ scoreless innings on 68 pitches, caught the attention of Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who commended Fried’s performance. The lefty signed with the Yankees for a whopping $218 million after being pursued by the Red Sox and Rangers, showcasing his pitching prowess in the exhibition game.
The decision to join the Yankees was based on a gut feeling for Fried, who also acknowledged the financial aspect of the deal. Despite Fried’s skills on the mound, the Red Sox also recognized his pitchability and capability to adjust during games, qualities that made him a desirable player.
During the game against the Red Sox, Fried displayed his diverse pitching arsenal by utilizing six different pitches, making him a challenging opponent for hitters. Yankees manager Aaron Boone highlighted Fried’s ability to keep hitters off balance with his variety of pitches and movement.
Looking ahead, Fried is gearing up for his official Yankees debut against the Brewers but not before wrapping up his spring training against the Rays. His bond with catcher Austin Wells continues to strengthen, as they work on developing their chemistry on the field.
An unexpected and nostalgic moment occurred for Fried when legendary figure Joe Torre made a guest appearance to take him out of the game. The interaction was a meaningful experience for Fried, underlining the unique atmosphere of the Yankees’ camp. With his impressive performance and camaraderie with teammates, Fried is poised to make a significant impact on the Yankees’ pitching staff this season.