Max Fried

Max Fried Bio

Max Dorian Fried is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on January 18, 1994, in Santa Monica, California, Fried made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2017, becoming one of the league’s top pitchers. He garnered attention for his impressive pitching skills, leading to multiple All-Star selections and a pivotal role in the Braves’ World Series championship win in 2021. Renowned for his exceptional fastball and curveball, Fried has established himself as a dominant force on the mound.

Early Life and Background

Fried was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up in Encino, Los Angeles. He is the middle son of Carrie and Jonathan Fried and is of Jewish heritage. His younger brother, Jake, is also a pitcher and attended the University of Arizona. Fried began attending the Reggie Smith Baseball Academy in Encino at the age of seven, where he learned to throw a curveball from the retired outfielder. He pitched for the Team USA Juniors baseball team at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, winning a gold medal in Israel. Fried first attended Montclair College Preparatory School in Van Nuys, where he played baseball, football, and basketball. As a sophomore, he had a record of 10–3 with a 1.81 earned run average (ERA) and was named the Olympic League MVP. In his junior year, he achieved a 7–3 record with a 1.31 ERA, striking out 100 batters in 69 innings. He was named the 2011 Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Male High School Athlete of the Year. After Montclair Prep cut its baseball team, Fried transferred to Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles for his senior season, where he played alongside future MLB pitchers Lucas Giolito and Jack Flaherty. In 2012, he posted an 8–2 record with a 2.02 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 66 innings, earning recognition as a Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st Team All-American.

Path to Baseball

Fried was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft, being the seventh overall pick. He signed with the Padres for $3 million, foregoing his commitment to the UCLA Bruins baseball team. Fried made his professional debut for the Arizona League Padres in 2012, where he recorded a 3.57 ERA in 17+2⁄3 innings pitched. He played for the Fort Wayne TinCaps in 2013, compiling a 6–7 record with a 3.49 ERA in 23 starts. Despite being ranked as the Padres’ top pitching prospect in 2014, Fried faced injury setbacks, undergoing Tommy John surgery that year. After recovering, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in December 2014. Fried made his MLB debut for the Braves on August 8, 2017, throwing two scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. He returned to the minor leagues shortly after but was called up again, joining the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League, where he showcased his skills.

Max Fried Career

Early Career (2017–2020)

Fried’s early career with the Atlanta Braves saw him develop into a key player. In 2019, he achieved a 17–6 record with a 4.02 ERA, ranking second in the National League for wins. He became known for his ability to limit hard contact and excelled defensively, leading all National League pitchers in assists. In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Fried emerged as Atlanta’s ace, finishing with a 7–0 record and a 2.25 ERA. He led the major leagues in win-loss percentage and was awarded the National League Gold Glove Award and the Fielding Bible Award for his exceptional defensive skills.

Breakthrough (2021–2024)

Fried’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he played a pivotal role in the Braves’ World Series championship win. He pitched six shutout innings in the final game against the Houston Astros, earning acclaim for his performance. Fried also won the Gold Glove Award and the Silver Slugger Award that year, becoming one of the few pitchers in MLB history to achieve both honors in the same season. He continued to excel in subsequent seasons, being named an All-Star multiple times and consistently posting impressive statistics. In 2022, he was recognized with his third consecutive Gold Glove Award and finished second in the voting for the National League Cy Young Award.

Notable Works and Milestones

Fried’s signature work includes his contributions to the Braves’ 2021 World Series victory, where he showcased his skills as a top pitcher. He has received numerous accolades, including multiple Gold Glove Awards and All-Star selections, solidifying his status as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball.

Max Fried Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Max Fried has received several nominations for prestigious awards, including multiple All-Star selections and recognition for his defensive excellence.

Max Fried Awards Won

Max Fried has won numerous awards, including the Gold Glove Award, Silver Slugger Award, and multiple All-MLB selections, highlighting his exceptional performance on the field.

Max Fried Family

Max Fried is the son of Carrie and Jonathan Fried. He has a younger brother, Jake, who is also involved in baseball.

Personal Life

Details about Max Fried’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.