Yankees could accomplish feat not seen since 2013 after latest Max Fried gem

He allowed seven base-runners (six hits, one walk) in the 26 batters he faced, but made up for two with his fourth and fifth pick-offs this season, including after giving up a lead-off single in the first inning and another to close out the bottom of the third. 

According to MLB reporter Sarah Langs, Fried's 1.29 ERA is the lowest by a Yankees pitcher in his first 11 starts since ERA became an official stat (1913).

Per OptaStats, he joined Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez (1997) as the only two pitchers with at least seven wins, no losses and an ERA below 1.50 entering Memorial Day since MLB lowered the mound in 1969.

Martinez won the first of three Cy Young Awards when he got off to his unprecedented start and finished the 1997 season 17-8 with a 1.90 ERA, striking out 305 hitters and walking 67 in 241.1 innings.

Fried was the Cy Young runner-up in 2022 with the Atlanta Braves, going 14-7 with a 2.48 ERA.

Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara was a unanimous choice that year, receiving all 30 first-place votes. Fried might join him as a unanimous selection later this year if he keeps up his impressive numbers throughout the season.

He'd likely be honored alongside Judge, the overwhelming favorite to be named AL MVP  (-2250), according to ESPNBet.

But Fried (+375) has work to do in the AL Cy Young race. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal (+185), seeking a second consecutive Cy Young, is the current favorite.