It wasn’t exactly the storybook start Max Fried might’ve hoped for in his New York Yankees debut. After a highly anticipated offseason move, the former Atlanta Braves ace took the mound on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, and things got a little rocky.
A Rough Day at the Office For Max Fried
Fried’s first inning looked promising, but that calm didn’t last long. The Brewers’ bats started making noise, and before you knew it, Fried was working harder than a short-order cook at a Sunday brunch rush.
In 4 2/3 innings, he gave up six runs — though, to be fair, only two were earned — on seven hits and two walks, striking out four. It’s not exactly the dazzling debut Yankees fans were hoping for.
And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room — that Yankees defense. The game had five errors, including three while Fried was still on the mound. When your defenders are booting balls left and right, it’s like trying to pitch with both hands tied behind your back.
A Better Start Than Last Year — Technically
If we’re comparing this outing to Fried’s season opener with the Braves last year, it’s technically a step up. Fried lasted a mere 2/3 of an inning before getting chased off the mound in 2024. He gave up three earned runs on two hits and three walks. 4 2/3 innings might not be ideal, but it’s progress.
And it wasn’t all bad. The Yankees’ offense? Absolutely electric. They cranked out nine home runs, set a franchise record, and put on a clinic. Believe it or not, they launched three bombs on the first three pitches of the game — an MLB record.
Talk about coming out swinging. By the time Fried threw his first pitch, he was already working with a comfortable lead. The Yankees went on to obliterate the Brewers 20-9.
Big Money, Big Expectations
Of course, when you sign an eight-year, $218 million contract like Fried did in the offseason, the spotlight only gets brighter. Yankees fans are expecting ace-level dominance, not damage control.
And with Fried’s impressive track record — a 3.07 ERA over 168 career appearances, two All-Star selections, and three Gold Gloves — those expectations are justified. Fried was the 2022 Cy Young Award runner-up behind Miami’s Sandy Alcántara. He’s been a rock-solid presence on the mound for years. One bumpy outing isn’t about to define his season, but it’s certainly a reminder that even the best pitchers can stumble.
Yankees fans, keep the panic button firmly covered — for now. It’s a long season, and Max Fried didn’t forget how to pitch overnight. But the next time he takes the mound, you can bet all eyes will be on him. And if those Yankee gloves can actually field the ball? Well, that would be a pretty good start.
