New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried became the first pitcher in Major League Baseball to reach 10 wins this season, strengthening the ongoing Max Fried All-Star starter debate. With the upcoming All-Star Game set to take place in Atlanta, Fried’s former baseball home, expectations and interest around his potential selection have intensified.
Despite the rising buzz, Fried remains focused on the present rather than looking too far ahead.
“I’ve got a handful of starts to go before the All-Star break,”
Fried told reporters.
“Right now, I’m not really looking that far ahead. A lot can happen between now and then.”
Aaron Boone, manager of the American League All-Star team, recognized Fried’s impressive performance but stopped short of making any promises regarding the starter role. “That’s down the road—we’ll see,” Boone said when asked about Fried’s chances. “He’s making a case, though.”
Fried’s latest outing reinforced his candidacy. On Tuesday night in Cincinnati, he pitched seven innings, allowing only one run on four hits, striking out seven batters, and issuing no walks. With Jonathan Loaisiga sidelined and the bullpen fatigued, Fried delivered the innings and efficiency the Yankees critically needed, halting a two-game losing streak.
This strong showing reflects exactly why the Yankees invested $218 million in Fried. Following Gerrit Cole’s season-ending injury, Fried has seamlessly embraced the team’s ace role. Presently, he stands 10–2 with an impressive 1.92 ERA, 104 strikeouts, and a 0.94 WHIP over 108 innings, leading the league in wins and ranking among the top pitchers in multiple key categories.
However, Fried’s selection as an All-Star starter is far from certain. Last year’s American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal offers comparable stats at 9–2 with a 2.29 ERA, 125 strikeouts, and the league’s lowest WHIP at 0.87. Garrett Crochet from Boston also presents formidable numbers, holding a 7–4 record with a 2.06 ERA, a league-high 135 strikeouts, and a 1.02 WHIP through 109.1 innings.
The final decision will likely weigh not only the statistical achievements but also the broader narrative and possibly some emotional factors. Given that the All-Star Game will be hosted in Atlanta, where Fried developed as a player, his selection could resonate deeply with fans and the baseball community alike, making him a uniquely fitting choice for the starting role.