The atmosphere was electric as Max Fried stepped onto the mound at Hal Steinbrenner Field. There was an undeniable buzz in the air, as if something extraordinary was about to happen. As he prepared himself and released the ball, it seemed to move with a mind of its own. Defying expectations, it dipped sharply, leaving the batter stunned and shaking his head in disbelief.
It was the signature Max Fried curveball, a pitch that had become one of the defining weapons of his career. While the curveball is now synonymous with Fried, few know that he learned the craft from one of baseball’s greats—Reggie Smith.
Smith, a seven-time All-Star and World Series champion, played a pivotal role in shaping Fried’s pitching ability. Reflecting on his early training days in Encino, California, Fried recalled how Smith’s mentorship extended beyond just pitching. “Everything from hitting to fielding to pitching, Smith gave me that knowledge,” Fried said. He also credited Smith with teaching him different grips and how to throw a curveball, which he then refined into one of the most effective pitches in the game.
Over time, Fried’s curveball developed into a pitch so dominant that it became one of the driving factors behind the New York Yankees signing him to a record-breaking $218 million contract. The irony of the situation was not lost on baseball fans—Smith had once been part of the Los Angeles Dodgers team that defeated the Yankees in the 1981 World Series. Though his impact in that championship run was limited, his influence on a young pitcher from California would later play a role in shaping the Yankees’ future.
During his first live batting practice session as a Yankee, Fried showcased his elite skillset, including his devastating curveball, which struck out Austin Wells twice. His performance drew praise from Yankees Manager Aaron Boone, who remarked that Fried was in an excellent position heading into the season. The display of precision and command on the mound reflected years of dedication and refinement.
For Fried, the move to the Bronx represented more than just a change in teams; it was an opportunity to cement his legacy. What began as a simple lesson in pitching back in California had now evolved into a defining skill that could propel him and the Yankees to new heights.
Yankees Strengthen Their Pitching Dominance
As the Yankees prepare for the 2025 season, pitching has become a key pillar of their championship aspirations. The acquisition of Fried, a premier left-handed starter, adds significant depth to their rotation alongside ace Gerrit Cole.
The Yankees had struggled in recent years to find consistent support behind Cole. However, Fried’s arrival brings stability, as his ability to perform under pressure and maintain a 3.00 ERA over the past five seasons make him a valuable addition. While he may not be known for overwhelming strikeout numbers, his consistency and ability to limit damage set him apart as one of the league’s most reliable arms. Now serving as the Yankees’ number two starter, Fried strengthens the rotation’s ability to endure the grind of a 162-game season.
Beyond pitching, the Yankees have also bolstered their roster with key moves in the outfield and infield. The acquisition of Cody Bellinger, a Gold Glove-caliber defender, enhances their defensive strength. Additionally, shifting Aaron Judge back to right field allows him to focus more on his offensive production while providing more defensive stability.
With these adjustments, along with a strengthened pitching rotation, the Yankees are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the championship. Whether Fried’s curveball will be the game-changing weapon they need to win the World Series remains to be seen, but his presence undoubtedly elevates their chances.