A Bronx Ace Ready for October
(September 18, 2025) The Bronx might just have its new October weapon. Max Fried, who has stared down baseball’s biggest stages before, looked every bit the ace the Yankees hoped for when they signed him. Under the lights at Camden Yards, Fried didn’t just pitch – he owned the moment. Seven scoreless innings, 13 strikeouts (tying his career high), and only three hits allowed in a 7-0 Yankees win over Baltimore.
For a Yankees team in the thick of an American League East battle – trailing the Blue Jays by three games – this wasn’t just another box score. It was a statement.
Fried’s Season of Milestones
This wasn’t a one-off masterpiece. Fried has been stacking numbers all year:
- Career-high 18 wins
- 188 1/3 innings pitched
- 182 strikeouts
- 31 starts (another career best)
His slider was filthy, his fastball sharp, and when he dropped that 85 mph breaking ball to fan Coby Mayo for No. 13 on the night, the Orioles looked helpless. For Yankees fans, this feels like déjà vu of October baseball … except it’s still September.
The Bronx Bats Back Him Up
Of course, even a gem needs some run support. Amed Rosario wasted no time, lining a two-run single in the first inning off Baltimore starter Cade Povich. Later, the Bronx bats blew things wide open in the seventh with a four-run burst: Paul Goldschmidt singled, Aaron Judge lifted a sac fly, and Giancarlo Stanton crushed a two-run double.
In short? The Yankees looked like a team sharpening their knives for the postseason.
Why Fried Changes the October Equation
For all the talk about the Yankees’ power bats, their October chances often come down to pitching. Fried gives them a battle-tested lefty with postseason scars and swagger. He’s been there with the Atlanta Braves, he’s done it, and he’s showing he still has another gear.
Highlights for Yankees Fans:
- Fried is peaking at the perfect time. His last outings show stamina and dominance.
- He brings balance. A left-handed ace changes how opponents stack lineups.
- The Yankees’ depth matters. With bats clicking and Fried shoving, this roster has October potential written all over it.
Yankees October Dreams
Baseball isn’t just about numbers – it’s about moments. And Max Fried’s masterpiece at Camden Yards felt like one of those nights fans will point back to if the Yankees make a deep October run.
So, what do you think – can Fried carry the Bronx into October glory? Drop your thoughts and join the conversation at forty4 Talks Baseball. Let’s talk baseball the way fans were meant to.
