Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (54) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Yankees Announce 2026 Opening Day Pitcher

Originally posted on New York Yankees on SI
By Delilah Bourque | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 9:43 PM ET

The New York Yankees are starting the 2026 season off with a bang when they travel to take on the San Francisco Giants in a special Opening Night game. Now, manager Aaron Boone has revealed that left handed pitcher Max Fried will be on the mound as the Pinstripes' starting pitcher.

Jack Curry of YES Network shared the news on social media.

"Unsurprisingly, Boone said Fried will be the Yankees’ Opening Day starter," he wrote.

Unsurprisingly, Boone said Fried will be the Yankees’ Opening Day starter.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) March 10, 2026

Despite struggling with control and giving up three walks in three scoreless innings in an exhibition match against Team Panama, Fried regained his usual dominance in his first official Spring Training start against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In four innings and 67 pitches, Fried allowed one run and and two hits with an impressive six strikeouts against one of the top farm systems in baseball.

Fried was one of the Yankees' top options last season, his first with the Yankees, and lead all major leaguers with 19 wins. During the regular season he threw just a 2.86 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 32 starts. The nine-year league veteran and former Atlanta Brave is the Yankees' top pitcher and will shoulder big expectations as fans wait for Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole to return from injury later in the season.

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This article first appeared on New York Yankees on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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