TAMPA, Fla. -- Max Fried’s journey to his first Opening Day start with the Yankees didn’t come with fanfare or a grand announcement. Instead, it was a straightforward conversation between Fried and his manager, where the focus was purely on preparation.
As Fried gears up for the March 25 showdown against the Giants at Oracle Park, his recent Grapefruit League outing against the Orioles served as a crucial final test. Although not perfect, with Fried allowing three runs and five hits over five innings, the Yankees still managed a 5-4 win. The 32-year-old lefty embraced the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity for some in-game “problem solving.”
“It wasn’t my sharpest,” Fried admitted, reflecting on his performance that included four walks and two strikeouts over 81 pitches. “But it was the right kind of challenge, making those adjustments on the fly. It was a great tune-up.”
Fried steps into the role of Yankees ace this season, taking over from Carlos Rodón, who had the honor last year due to Gerrit Cole’s unfortunate Tommy John surgery. This marks Fried’s fourth Opening Day start, having previously led the Braves in 2021, ’22, and ’23.
“He’s one of the best in the game,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised. “His performance last year was outstanding.
Beyond his pitching, he’s become a leader in our clubhouse. I’m excited to see him take the mound.”
While many saw Fried’s assignment as a given, he described it as a “definite surprise” and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“It’s just the first game, but it’s important to start strong,” Fried explained. “I want to set us up for success right from the start.”
Fried feels more at home now than he did a year ago when he was new to the team and adjusting after signing a hefty eight-year, $218 million contract. Despite the initial challenges, Fried delivered an impressive 19-5 record with a 2.86 ERA in 32 starts, setting career highs in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts, and earning an All-Star nod.
With exhibition games behind him, Fried is eager to dive into the regular season, confident that this Yankees team is poised to advance beyond last year’s American League Division Series finish.