The New York Yankees had high hopes when they signed lefty Max Fried, but no one could have imagined this type of start.
While Fried has always been viewed as a strong asset in the starting rotation, he’s currently in the running as an early candidate for the American League Cy Young Award.
When looking back at some of the top signings in free agency this offseason to hand out some re-grades, Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report gave New York an “A-” mark for signing Fried.
“Fried has been a major difference maker in the AL East, as the Yankees—despite Cole being out for the season and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil not having pitched so far in 2025—are in first place. The Baltimore Orioles, a team that made sense as a destination for Fried in the winter, find themselves in the cellar,” Kelly wrote.
Fried is 7-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 11 starts this season. His 2.0 fWAR is tied with Paul Skenes and Hunter Brown, per Fangraphs.
The Yankees find themselves with a sizeable lead in the American League East going into the final week of May, and they’ve been able to do so without ace Gerrit Cole, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
They’ve also been without reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, who suffered a lat strain during spring training.
Getting ace-level numbers from Fried has given New York a chance to make a run as the top team in the American League.
If Fried stays healthy, it’s fair to assume he’ll be in the running for the Cy Young Award.
