HOW DO YOU NOT LOVE THIS KID MAX FRIED?

Max Fried isn’t just a phenomenal pitcher; he’s the kind of player who makes an immediate impact both on and off the field. His presence in New York is already electrifying, and it’s not just because of his impressive resume or stellar performance on the mound. Fried brings something rare to the table: an undeniable likability, a down-to-earth demeanor, and an authenticity that resonates with both fans and media.

When the New York Yankees came calling, Fried was initially surprised, but he didn’t waste any time recognizing the significance of it. "Initially, I'd heard that the Yankees had interest and I would say that I was fairly surprised in the beginning," Fried admitted during his introductory press conference. "When the Yankees say they're interested in you, you perk up and you listen. There's a standard and it's an extremely storied franchise." That honesty, that humility, is what makes Fried so relatable and easy to root for. The pressure of playing in New York doesn’t intimidate him—it motivates him.

"There's three words that were put up on the wall - Prepare, Compete, and Win. To me as a competitor, as a player, it really resonated with me."

Max Fried talks about what drew him to the Yankees: pic.twitter.com/Zqs0f55o2M

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) December 18, 2024

As he walked through the clubhouse, Fried found something that truly resonated with him. "I was walking through the clubhouse and there's three words that were put up on the wall ... Prepare, Compete, and Win," Fried said. "And I thought a lot about that. To me as a competitor, as a player, it really resonated with me." It's this mindset, the relentless focus on preparation and winning, that makes Fried the perfect fit for a Yankees team that demands excellence. He knows what it takes to win, having been a part of seven postseason teams in Atlanta, including the 2021 World Series champions. That postseason experience is invaluable, especially for a team that has championship aspirations year after year.

Max in the BX 🔥 pic.twitter.com/loxq6nqoQk

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 17, 2024

But what really stands out about Fried is how he carries himself in the face of those high expectations. He doesn’t just talk the talk—he walks the walk. After all, he proved his mettle in the biggest of moments, like his six scoreless innings in Game 6 of the 2021 World Series, all while battling an ankle injury. "For me, I couldn’t be more excited to be here as a part of this organization and as a part of the Yankees," Fried said, his enthusiasm clear. It’s hard not to feel that excitement, not just for the player he is, but for the person he is.

Fried’s confidence, paired with his grounded nature, makes him incredibly relatable—much like another fan favorite, Jazz Chisholm. There's an effortless charm about Fried that makes him not only an elite talent but someone fans are instantly drawn to. He’s the type of player who can handle the pressure of New York while keeping his cool, and his enthusiasm for the game only adds to his appeal.

Credit where credit is due: Brian Cashman made a masterful move in signing Fried. By bringing in a player with his talent and personality, Cashman has given the Yankees a true leader who not only knows how to perform under pressure but also embodies everything the Yankees stand for: preparation, competition, and the relentless pursuit of victory. 

Max Fried isn’t just a great pitcher; he’s the kind of presence that can elevate this entire franchise. His commitment to winning, his mindset, and his genuine connection to the game make him a perfect fit for the Yankees—and New York is lucky to have him.