MLB Makes Max Fried Announcement on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 10:03 PM ET

The New York Yankees are entering the 2026 MLB season without any major reinforcements to their pitching staff.

While the front office is banking on right-hander Gerrit Cole returning to form once he’s back on the mound, they are equally reliant on left-hander Max Fried to remain a dominant force.

Fried signed with New York last offseason on an eight-year, $218 million contract, the largest ever awarded to a southpaw, keeping him in pinstripes through 2032.

The 32-year-old lived up to expectations in 2025, even as the Yankees suffered another early playoff exit. Across 32 starts, Fried led the league with 19 wins, struck out 189 batters and posted a 2.86 ERA, reaffirming his place among the game’s elite pitchers.

New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried (54)© Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

On Monday, MLB Network gave his strong 2025 campaign national recognition. In this year’s edition of the Top 100 Players Right Now list, Fried not only remained inside the top 50 but climbed significantly.

He landed at No. 36, an eight-spot jump from his 2025 ranking, reflecting how evaluators viewed his performance and continued reliability atop the Yankees’ rotation.

MLB showcased his placement in an announcement on X, underscoring the respect Fried has earned across the league.

No. 33: Pete Alonso
No. 32: Bryce Harper
No. 31: Matt Olson

Three first basemen fill out Nos. 40-31 on @MLBNetwork’s #Top100RightNow. pic.twitter.com/kW64mx22Ap
— MLB (@MLB) January 20, 2026

Max Fried’s Accolades Highlight His Elite Standing

Fried’s career accomplishments only strengthen his standing. Last season he earned his third All-Star selection, finished top four in American League Cy Young voting and captured another Gold Glove, further cementing his reputation as one of the best defensive pitchers in baseball.

His accolades include four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger, along with a central role in the Braves’ 2021 World Series triumph, achievements that set the stage for his move to New York.

Since debuting with Atlanta in 2017, Fried steadily developed into one of the most reliable arms in MLB.

Now, with the Yankees still searching for their first World Series title since 2009, Fried’s presence is viewed as essential to bridging the gap between regular-season success and postseason triumph.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: