Yankees' Max Fried reveals his status for the upcoming World Baseball Classic

Jared Bloom

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Yankees' Max Fried reveals his status for the upcoming World Baseball Classic image

As we get deeper into the postseason, we are getting closer to the start of the World Baseball Classic. For those unfamiliar, this is an international tournament that typically takes place every four years. 

Think of it like the World Cup, but for baseball. Countries put together the best products they have at their disposal, and many of these teams look like complete All-Star teams. 

Team Japan won the latest tournament back in 2023, defeating Team USA in a thrilling game. Now, Team USA is looking to get its revenge, especially with some of the players who have already committed. 

Yankees' Max Fried reveals his status for the upcoming World Baseball Classic 

Team USA should be in pretty good hands. Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Boby Witt Jr., and Cal Raleigh are a handful of the players who have already committed to representing their country in the WBC that starts on March 5.

However, that does not mean every star has expressed their interest in playing in it. According to Team USA's manager, Mark DeRosa, and via the YES Network's Jack Curry, New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried declined his invitation to join.

There is no explanation as to why he declined the invite, but it is not rare for an elite starting pitcher to opt out of this tournament. It could cause stress on his arm and could injure him, which is something the Yankees cannot afford to do going into the 2026 season. 

They will already be without Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon to start the year. They cannot afford another one of their frontline starters to miss time at the start of the new season. 

There is still plenty of time for Team USA to go out and find a few more starting pitchers to pair behind Paul Skenes. Tarik Skubal has expressed his interest, and he could be one of the next players to accept the invitation.

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Editorial Team