Max Fried, the ace pitcher for the New York Yankees, is having an outstanding 2025 season, displaying pitching skills and a competitive mindset that have drawn comparisons to LA Dodgers’ veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw. Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus highlighted Fried’s winning mentality and all-around excellence as key reasons behind his success on the mound.
This season, Fried, 31, has compiled an impressive 11-2 record with a 2.27 ERA over 19 starts, showing consistent dominance. Similarly, Kershaw, 37, has posted a 4-0 record with a 3.43 ERA in nine starts, underlining the ongoing excellence of both southpaws in MLB.
Brad Ausmus praises Fried’s multifaceted contributions on the field
In a recent discussion on MLB Network Radio, Brad Ausmus drew parallels between Fried and Kershaw, emphasizing that Fried’s value extends beyond just pitching. Ausmus remarked,
“He’s our stopgap. If things aren’t going well, we always—regardless of what’s happening—feel good about Max on the mound,”
pointing out Fried’s reliability in challenging moments.
Ausmus elaborated on Fried’s fielding skills, stating,
“He’s similar to Kershaw in the sense that pitching isn’t the only important thing. If you’ve seen this guy field his position, he’s phenomenal. He takes pride in it. He truly does want to win.”
Highlighting Fried’s focus on winning, Ausmus added,
“A lot of times—he’s a little bit more of a veteran—but a lot of times, it takes players a while because this is their livelihood,”
noting how Fried surpasses many players by prioritizing victory over personal gain.
“They want to make money, they want to support their families. But at some point, it clicks—like, hey, we need to win, and we’re all better off if we do. And this guy really, really wants to win.”
Concluding his praise, Ausmus said,
“He’s really been a joy to watch pitch and to work with on a daily basis because he takes pride in every aspect.”
Career highlights of Fried and Kershaw reveal their elite status
Clayton Kershaw’s career is one of the best in baseball history, highlighted by reaching the 3,000 strikeouts milestone in a recent game against the Chicago White Sox. This achievement made him the 20th pitcher and only the fourth left-hander in MLB history to reach this mark. Over 18 seasons exclusively with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kershaw has earned a 216–94 win-loss record with a career 2.52 ERA.
His accolades include three National League Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014), the 2014 NL MVP, a Triple Crown title, and ten All-Star selections. Kershaw also boasts multiple ERA titles, a Gold Glove award, and two World Series championships in 2020 and 2024, securing his legacy as one of the modern era’s top starters.
By contrast, Max Fried began his MLB career with the Atlanta Braves in August 2017 and has since amassed an 84-38 record with a 2.98 ERA and 974 strikeouts over nine seasons. Known for his defensive prowess, Fried won Gold Glove awards from 2020 through 2022 and the Silver Slugger in 2021. He played a pivotal role in leading the Braves to the 2021 World Series title.
In December, Fried finalized a historic eight-year, $218 million contract with the Yankees, marking the largest deal ever signed by a left-handed pitcher, underlining the high expectations for his impact with New York.
What Fried’s excellence means for the Yankees and MLB
Max Fried’s exceptional form and the rare comparison to Clayton Kershaw underscore his rising stature among baseball’s elite pitchers. His combination of pitching skill, defensive ability, and fierce competitive spirit positions him as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ rotation. With this level of performance and leadership, Fried is expected to significantly influence the team’s pursuit of championships in the coming years.
The parallels with Kershaw not only celebrate Fried’s current achievements but also highlight the potential for a sustained career marked by dominance and resilience, qualities essential in the highly competitive environment of Major League Baseball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Max Fried wear 54?
A. He’ll be wearing the number 54, the same number he had while playing in Atlanta.
Q. What is Max Fried’s religion?
A. Fried was born and raised in Encino, California. He is the middle child of Carrie and Jonathan Fried and is Jewish. His younger brother, Jake, is also a pitcher and went to the University of Arizona.
Q. Is Max Fried an ace?
A. The Yankees plan to have their top pitcher, lefty Max Fried, play as they aim to end their six-game losing streak. Fried, who has a 10-2 record and a 2.13 ERA, has faced the Mets 24 times, achieving a 9-5 record and a 2.50 ERA.
Q. What religion is Max Fried?
A. Fried spent his early years in Encino, California, where he was born and raised as the middle child of Carrie and Jonathan Fried. His family is Jewish. His younger brother Jake, who also pitches, went to the University of Arizona.