**BREAKING: Max Fried’s Struggles Continue with the New York Yankees, Earning One of MLB’s Worst Grades**
Max Fried, once celebrated as one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB), has found himself struggling since making the move to the New York Yankees. Once considered a future ace, Fried’s recent performances have raised eyebrows, as his grades among MLB pitchers now rank among the worst in the league. The transition from the Atlanta Braves to the Yankees, long awaited by fans and analysts alike, has been anything but smooth for the 30-year-old left-hander.
**A Stellar Reputation, But Struggles on the Mound**
Fried made his name in Atlanta with a combination of pinpoint control, impressive strikeout numbers, and a tendency to dominate in high-leverage situations. For much of his career, he was a key member of the Braves’ pitching rotation, playing a pivotal role in their 2021 World Series championship run. His postseason performances had fans believing that Fried would eventually blossom into one of the game’s elite starting pitchers.
When rumors of Fried’s potential move to the Yankees began circulating, it seemed like a natural fit. The Yankees, known for their star-studded lineup and commitment to high-caliber pitching, were in desperate need of a top-tier starter to bolster their rotation. Fried appeared to be the perfect candidate to help push the Yankees back into contention, especially with his consistency in the regular season.
However, since his arrival, the lefty’s performances have not lived up to expectations. Despite boasting impressive career numbers before the trade, Fried’s transition to the Bronx has been riddled with inconsistency, injuries, and uncharacteristic struggles on the mound.
**Troubling Trends: High ERA and Inability to Control the Strike Zone**
One of the most significant aspects of Fried’s struggles has been his inability to find consistency with his command. Known for his precise control and ability to induce weak contact, Fried’s strike zone discipline has faltered since joining the Yankees. His ERA, which once hovered around the mid-3.00s during his tenure with the Braves, has ballooned into the 4.50+ range in the early months of his Yankees career, one of the worst among starting pitchers in MLB.
Additionally, Fried’s strikeout rate has significantly dipped, and his walk numbers have been a concern. Opponents, once frustrated by Fried’s ability to get them to chase pitches out of the zone, have now found success by waiting for him to deliver strikes. Fried’s signature curveball, which was once a dominant weapon, has lost some of its bite, and his fastball velocity has also decreased, adding to the concerns over his current form.
**The Injury Bug: A Setback for the Left-Hander**
Another contributing factor to Fried’s disappointing performances has been his injury woes. Though he has never been considered injury-prone, Fried has missed time with shoulder and elbow issues that have plagued him during his Yankees tenure. Injuries have interrupted his rhythm and development, forcing him to miss key starts and impacting his ability to find a groove in the rotation.
The injury concerns are especially troubling for a team like the Yankees, which has already dealt with several injury setbacks to key players in recent seasons. Fried’s inability to stay healthy has raised questions about his durability moving forward, especially as the team looks for long-term solutions to bolster their starting rotation.
**A Team in Crisis: Can Fried Bounce Back?**
For the Yankees, Fried’s struggles are more than just a personal issue for the left-hander—they represent a larger problem for the team as a whole. The Yankees, who have always prided themselves on having a competitive rotation, are finding themselves in a difficult situation. Gerrit Cole, the team’s ace, has been a constant force, but beyond him, the team has struggled to find reliable starters. Fried’s underperformance has further exposed this weakness and placed additional pressure on the rest of the pitching staff.
The Yankees’ front office has yet to make any drastic decisions regarding Fried’s role, but the whispers about a potential trade or even a shift to the bullpen are growing louder. While it’s too early to declare Fried’s time in New York a failure, his performances thus far have been concerning, especially given the expectations surrounding his arrival.
For Fried, the road ahead is clear: he must find a way to rediscover the form that once made him a coveted ace. His strike zone control, curveball, and overall approach need to be refined if he’s to regain his status as a top-tier starter in the MLB. Whether he can do this with the Yankees or if he will need a change of scenery remains to be seen.
**Conclusion: A Rocky Start to a Highly Anticipated Era**
Max Fried’s transition to the New York Yankees has been far from smooth. With one of the worst grades among MLB pitchers this season, Fried’s struggles have been a major disappointment for both the team and its fanbase. While the talent is undoubtedly still there, his inconsistent performances, injuries, and lack of command have left many questioning whether Fried can return to form and live up to the immense expectations placed on him.
The coming months will be critical for both Fried and the Yankees. Whether this is just a rough patch in Fried’s career or a sign of things to come will determine not just his future in New York, but also the Yankees’ chances of competing at the highest level in the coming seasons.