The Yankees acquiring Max Fried is certainly a bold move, but as you said, it could go either way. While Fried’s talent and track record with the Braves make him a strong addition to their rotation, there are a few factors to consider.
One major question is how he’ll adapt to the Yankees’ environment. Pitching in Atlanta, where he’s familiar with the coaching staff and teammates, is quite different from dealing with the pressure of New York and pitching in the AL East. The division’s hitter-friendly ballparks and potent lineups could present challenges.
Another concern might be health. Fried has had some injuries in the past, and the Yankees would need him to stay healthy to justify their investment. If he performs as expected, though, he could help solidify their rotation and improve their chances of making another deep playoff run.
What’s the “big catch” you’re hinting at? Could it be his adjustment period or something else?
That’s a significant wrinkle for the Yankees’ plans. Losing Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery puts immense pressure on Max Fried to anchor the rotation. While Fried has shown flashes of brilliance, especially with his masterful Game 6 performance in the 2021 World Series, the inconsistency in his postseason track record raises valid concerns.
For the Yankees, Fried stepping up as the de facto ace will be critical, particularly in a city where expectations and scrutiny are always high. Without Cole, the rotation has a glaring hole, and Fried will need to shoulder the load every fifth day—especially in a division that’s a gauntlet of competitive teams.
Do you think Fried has what it takes to thrive under this kind of pressure, or could the Yankees find themselves in trouble if his performance falters in high-leverage moments?
That’s a fair assessment. Max Fried’s performance with the Yankees will undoubtedly draw comparisons to his tenure in Atlanta, and it’s a narrative that could go either way. If he excels, it could serve as a stinging reminder to the Braves of what they lost. On the other hand, if he falters under the brighter lights and greater expectations in New York, it might validate the Braves’ decision to let him walk in free agency.
The multi-year deal does provide Fried some breathing room to settle in, even if his first year doesn’t meet the lofty expectations. Pitchers often need time to adjust to a new team, especially one as high-profile as the Yankees. But given the New York media and fan base, patience could wear thin quickly if Fried doesn’t deliver, especially with Cole out of the picture for now.
Ultimately, it’ll come down to whether Fried can consistently pitch like the ace he has shown flashes of being. It should make for a fascinating storyline throughout the season. Do you see him thriving or struggling in New York?
That makes sense, especially with Spencer Strider’s absence leaving a significant gap in Atlanta’s rotation. The Braves have been fortunate to have Strider emerge as one of the best young arms in baseball, but until he returns, the team needs to find ways to patch up the rotation.
Atlanta could look to internal options, such as giving a prospect or depth arm a shot, or explore trades or free-agent pickups. The team has a strong offense and bullpen, so if they can get solid innings from the back end of the rotation, they should remain competitive while waiting for Strider.
Do you think the Braves should lean on their farm system, or would you prefer they make a more aggressive move to stabilize the rotation in the short term?
Max Fried’s role in the New York Yankees’ rotation is even more important
That’s a great point, and it would be fitting for Fried to find success with the Yankees, given their stature as a perennial contender. The pressure and expectations in New York are unlike anywhere else, but Fried has already shown he can perform on the biggest stages, even if his postseason consistency has been questioned at times. Joining a team fresh off an AL pennant run, Fried has a chance to help end the Yankees’ championship drought and cement his legacy.
Facing the Dodgers in last year’s World Series adds an interesting twist, considering they were Fried’s childhood team. If he helps the Yankees take the next step and win it all, especially if it’s against the Dodgers, it would be a storybook moment for him.
How do you think Fried’s presence will impact the Yankees’ ability to get over the hump and finally win that elusive championship? Could this be the piece they’ve been missing?
That’s a very realistic concern. While Fried is undeniably talented, his tendency to allow hits in bunches could be magnified in Yankee Stadium, especially with the infamous short porch in right field. The American League has plenty of powerful lineups, and if those big bats start teeing off, it could quickly become a source of frustration for Yankees fans.
Even though Fried pitched at Truist Park, which also leans hitter-friendly, the New York spotlight adds another layer of pressure. Every mistake pitch is amplified, and the scrutiny over his performance will be relentless. Injuries are another potential sticking point, as any time missed by Fried would not only weaken the Yankees’ rotation but also stoke doubts about the sizable investment they made in him.
That said, if he can adjust his game to work around the short porch and keep the ball on the ground, he could mitigate some of those concerns. Do you think Fried’s ability to adapt will be key to his success in New York, or are these challenges just part of the risk the Yankees took in signing him?
Absolutely, and that’s a big part of the story surrounding Fried’s move to New York. The Yankees are paying top dollar for him to perform at an elite level, and with Gerrit Cole sidelined, the expectations for Fried are even higher. While he’s proven himself as a perennial All-Star and has had big-game moments, being thrust into the No. 1 role in his first year with the Yankees adds a whole new layer of pressure.
What makes it even trickier is that New York is not known for its patience when things don’t go as planned. If Fried has one of those games where hits pile up or he struggles with adversity, the criticism will come quickly. The Yankees would have loved to see him slot in as the No. 2 behind Cole, allowing him to ease into the rotation. Now, as the de facto ace, he has to set the tone every fifth day, and the pressure to perform will be immense.
Do you think Fried has what it takes to thrive in this role from the outset, or could this situation lead to growing pains in his first season with the Yankees?
Absolutely, and that sums it up perfectly. Pitching for the New York Yankees means taking on one of the most prestigious and high-pressure roles in all of baseball. For Max Fried, the opportunity to lead the rotation for such a storied franchise is both a tremendous honor and an immense challenge.
The Yankees’ legacy of greatness—27 World Series titles and countless legends—demands excellence, especially from their starting pitchers. Fried will have the chance to etch his name among the greats if he thrives, but with that comes the responsibility of meeting sky-high expectations. Every start will be scrutinized, especially with the team hungry to end their championship drought.
If Fried embraces the responsibility, adapts to the pressure, and delivers, he could cement his place in Yankees lore. But if he struggles, the weight of the expectations could become a burden. Do you think he’ll lean into the pressure and rise to the occasion, or is this role too daunting for most pitchers to succeed in immediately?
