Max Fried in pinstripes. You read that right—the New York Yankees just invested a massive $218 million in a guy who’s been a staple of the Atlanta Braves’ rotation for years. And while Braves fans are probably still processing this heartbreak, one Hall of Fame voice isn’t holding back on why this move is a home run for the Yankees.
John Smoltz, Braves legend, clarified his thoughts on Foul Territory: “I thought that’s the best thing the Yankees could have done.” And honestly, can you blame him? Yankees fans were pacing their living rooms, hands in the air, muttering, “We didn’t get Juan Soto, what now?” This was right after Soto blatantly brushed off a massive deal from the team. Some claim there was even tension between Soto and Judge.
In comes Max Fried, a left-handed ace who’s as cool as they come under pressure. But Smoltz isn’t just hyped about the move for the sake of hype. He sees a shift happening in the Bronx. This isn’t your 2000s-style Yankees slugging their way out of problems. This is a team that’s gearing up to prevent runs.
With Fried in the mix, Smoltz believes the Yankees finally have the chance to build a rotation that can out-pitch just about anybody in the AL East. Imagine that, the Bombers focusing on defense and pitching fundamentals instead of just swinging for the fences.
Smoltz quickly pointed out that this strategy only works if the Yankees tighten up defensively. Let’s be honest, they’ve had their fair share of blooper-reel moments in the field lately.
If they want to maximize Fried’s talent, they’ll need to back him up with some clean, mistake-free baseball. Because while Fried is elite, he can’t do it all by himself. Smoltz knows it, and Yankees fans are probably shouting it from the rooftops.
Now the elephant in the room is injuries. Fried has had his battles with the injury bug in Atlanta. But Smoltz, ever the pitching optimist, thinks a fresh start (and that eye-popping contract) might be just what Fried needs to stay healthy.
Smoltz Says Big Deals Free Up Pitchers Mentally
According to Smoltz, once pitchers get that life-changing deal, a mental weight lifts off their shoulders. They’re no longer pitching with a fear of missing out on payday. They can just pitch. If Smoltz says it, who are we to argue?
But what about the Braves? Losing Fried stings. No question. This guy was a rock for them, a go-to ace when the stakes were highest. Braves fans might feel like someone just yanked the rug out from under them. But Atlanta isn’t exactly a team that rolls over. They’ll find a way to stay competitive because that’s just what they do.
Meanwhile, over in New York, the stage is set for Max Fried to do what he does best. He’s got the talent and money, and now he’s got the pressure of the New York spotlight.
