The New York Yankees had their ace pitcher recognized this week for something a bit distinct from pitching. Left-handed pitcher Max Fried earned a Gold Glove Award for his spectacular defensive performance this season.
As the World Series concluded this past weekend, Rawlings began to dish out their annual defensive awards. Fried, who enjoyed a dominant season in the Bronx, collected his fourth career Gold Glove, previously winning three with the Atlanta Braves.
This is Fried’s first one in the American League, winning it in his first season with the Yankees. The left-handed pitcher signed an eight-year, $218 million deal, as New York picked him up in the offseason to aid a strapped Yankees pitching staff.
The Gold Standard ?
Congrats on your 4th Career @RawlingsSports Gold Glove, @MaxFried32! pic.twitter.com/Zh7sCJNRzB
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 3, 2025
Max Fried Wins 2025 Gold Glove Award
The Yankees started the year in a worrisome fashion due to early injuries. Gerrit Cole was the first big name to go down, leaving the club without an established ace pitcher. Cole underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him until 2026.
Luis Gil was next, and he missed several months. Both Gil and Cole were meant to be part of a pitching rotation that included Fried. The left-hander was left as the Yankees’ top arm.
Fried stood up to the challenge and circumstances. He led the league in win-loss percentage, at .792, with a record of 19-5. He finished with 195 1/3 innings of work, allowing 164 hits in 32 games, striking out 189 hitters, and walking 51.
Fried allowed 14 home runs and 62 earned runs. He finished with a 2.86 ERA. Fried started two games in the postseason, where he finished 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA.
The starting left-hander had a league-leading 39 assists on the defensive end, with a 2.26 RF/9. He finished with a fielding percentage of .925. Fried was a huge part of the Yankees’ rotation and will continue to contribute to an elite staff.
Main Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
