Yankees pitcher Max Fried delivered a commanding performance against the Rockies on Saturday, allowing just one run on six hits across 7.1 innings while showcasing his exceptional pickoff ability. The left-hander’s skill in catching runners off base drew significant acclaim from his teammates, including Cody Bellinger, who singled out Fried’s move as particularly impressive.
In the early innings, Fried successfully picked off two runners—Jordan Beck and Aaron Schunk—catching both out at first base. Anthony Volpe was instrumental in tagging Beck at second, while Paul Goldschmidt applied the tag on Schunk at first, highlighting a strong defensive effort coordinated with Fried’s quick reflexes on the mound.
Yankees Stars Commend Fried’s Pickoff Talent
After the game, several Yankees players spoke to the media about Fried’s pickoff moves. Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain, described the move as the best in the league and praised its frequency and effectiveness.
“Just from the times I faced him and been on first base, I don’t think I moved,” Judge said [1:45]. “I just stared at him, and I waited till I saw that ball probably in the catcher’s glove before I took my lead. It’s just, it’s impressive.”
Bellinger echoed similar admiration for Fried’s pickoff skills.
“Yeah, it’s disgusting. I mean, I would use, that’s probably the word,” Bellinger said [0:39].
Meanwhile, Paul Goldschmidt, a prominent National League MVP, highlighted Fried’s ability to maintain focus on base runners while delivering strong pitching.
“I mean, it’s the best move I’ve seen,” Goldschmidt said [0:11]. “Definitely remember being on first base as an opposing base runner and just trying to stay as close to the base as possible.”
The Origins and Mechanics Behind Fried’s Pickoff Mastery
Fried’s remarkable 1.29 ERA over 11 starts is the best in Yankees history since records began in 1913, with his deceptive pickoff move catching the attention of players and fans alike. What sets his move apart is its close resemblance to his pitching motion, especially at the start, which leaves runners second-guessing their timing and leads to frequent successful pickoffs.
After his latest outing, Fried shared insights about the origins of this move and how he developed it.
“High school,” Fried said of where he learned the move [0:05]. “So, you know, just being able to read runners, and there’s just more of trying a lot in high school and a lot of trial and error. And been able to kind of you know, fine-tune it and make it a lot better in pro ball.”
Since joining the Yankees as a free agent on December 17, 2024, Fried signed an eight-year deal worth $218 million, the largest contract ever for a left-handed pitcher. With Gerrit Cole sidelined by injury, Fried has emerged as the Yankees’ best offseason acquisition, demonstrating leadership and strong performance early in the season.
Impact of Fried’s Performance on the Yankees’ Season Outlook
The combination of Fried’s dominant pitching and his tactical pickoff moves not only suppresses opposing offenses but also energizes the Yankees’ defense. His ability to control the running game adds another layer of challenge for opponents, increasing the team’s chances to maintain leads and close out games effectively.
As Fried continues to establish himself as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ rotation, his pickoff move has set a new standard for holding runners and preventing stolen bases. With the team navigating injuries and roster changes, Fried’s early season dominance provides hope and determination for the Yankees in their quest to contend deep into the season.