Max Fried, the New York Yankees’ highly valued offseason signing, has quickly become a leading candidate for the AL Cy Young Award, showcasing a remarkable comeback. After signing an eight-year, $218 million contract, Fried’s early 2024 season performance includes a 1.29 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 70 innings, confirming his status among MLB’s elite pitchers. However, few recall that in 2017, Fried was seriously considering leaving baseball.
During the 2017 season, Fried struggled significantly in Double-A ball, posting a 5.92 ERA across 86.2 innings. At that point, the young pitcher questioned his future in the sport, admitting to his father,
“I don’t know if I’m gonna be cut out for this.”
Drafted straight out of high school, Fried’s early difficulties led him to contemplate leaving baseball for college, uncertain if he could reach the majors. This moment of doubt came when he was just 23 and facing the challenge of proving himself worthy of a big-league career.
Turning Point and Rise to MLB Prominence
Despite the struggles, Fried began to turn things around late in his 2017 season. His performance improved enough for a surprise call-up to the major leagues, where he finished the year with a 3.81 ERA in 26 innings. Over the next several years, Fried cemented his role in the Atlanta Braves’ rotation, becoming one of their most reliable pitchers.
His 2022 performance was particularly notable, as he recorded a 2.48 ERA over 185.1 innings, establishing himself as a dominant force on the mound. This steady development set the stage for the Yankees to pursue him aggressively during free agency, hoping to add an ace to their rotation.
Current Season and AL Cy Young Race
Heading into the 2024 season, the Yankees were counting on Fried to provide strong pitching support, especially after their established ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined by Tommy John surgery. Fried has not only met those expectations but has arguably surpassed them. As of May 25, Fried holds a 1.29 ERA, leading the American League, and is the second-favorite to win the AL Cy Young Award at +350 odds, just behind Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, listed at +200 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
This stellar start was crucial for the Yankees, given the unexpected loss of Cole, and Fried’s outstanding performances have been vital to the team’s competitiveness. His ability to maintain dominant pitching metrics positions him as a serious contender for the league’s top pitching honor this year.
What Lies Ahead for Fried and the Yankees
Max Fried’s journey from nearly quitting baseball in the minors to becoming a front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award highlights not only his resilience but his growth into an elite pitcher. For the Yankees, Fried represents a key piece in their rotation during a challenging season marked by injuries to key players. If he continues his exceptional form, his impact could shape the team’s success over the coming months and reinforce his reputation as one of MLB’s premier pitchers.