New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried established himself as a certified ace during his first year in pinstripes, finishing the 2025 regular season with a stellar 19-5 record and a 2.86 ERA.
Fried led the American League in wins and proved to be everything the Yankees expected from their massive offseason investment, when they signed the ace to a eight-year, $218 million deal. However, despite the strong regular season numbers and a World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves, a look at his overall postseason history reveals an alarming trend of early exits and high run totals.
In his first playoff start for New York, though, Fried delivered. He pitched 6.1 shutout innings in Game 1 against the Boston Red Sox, lasting 102 pitches and putting to sleep some of the playoff concerns that many had about him.
Fried was well aware of his playoff concerns before the series against the Red Sox, and after delivering a masterclass for the Yankees in Game 1, a weight can be taken off his back.
Here's what to know about Fried's past playoff performances and why he needed a strong game against Boston.
MORE: Aaron Judge career postseason stats
Max Fried career playoff stats
Career postseason stats through 2024 season.
| Games | Starts | Record | ERA | Strikeouts | Walks | Runs allowed | Home runs allowed |
| 20 | 12 | 2-5 | 5.10 | 66 | 18 | 40 | 10 |
Fried entered the 2025 postseason with a combined record of 2-5 with a 5.10 ERA across 20 career playoff appearances (12 starts). This struggle includes multiple outings where he failed to pitch into the fifth inning, contrasting sharply with his reputation for durability.
On the mound with the Yankees for the first time, Fried was exceptional. He pitched 6.1 shutout innings and finished with a stat line of no runs allowed on four hits and three walks while striking out six. For a pitcher that has struggled to translate his regular season performance to October, it was much needed.
MORE: MLB pitchers with 3,000 strikeouts
Max Fried contract
Following the 2024 season, Fried became one of the most sought-after free agents, ultimately signing an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees. The deal was historic, representing the largest guaranteed contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. The signing was a major move by the Yankees' front office, pairing Fried with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon to create a top rotation in baseball.
Cole missed the entire 2025 season after getting Tommy John surgery, and in his absence, Fried became New York's ace. His debut season in New York was nothing short of brilliant, finishing the regular season with a stellar 19-5 record and a 2.86 ERA across 32 starts and 195.1 innings pitched, leading all of Major League Baseball in wins.
The impressive campaign earned Fried a third All-Star nod and the title of MLB's wins leader. Though he faced a midseason lull due to a blister injury, Fried rebounded late in the year, going 6-0 with a 1.55 ERA over his final seven starts to lead the Yankees into the postseason. His first postseason start with New York was on Tuesday night against the Red Sox.
MORE: Aaron Judge vs. Jose Altuve height