The team had already talked to the lefty starter a week before Juan Soto made his decision to sign a 15-year contract with the Mets.

The New York Yankees reached the World Series in 2024 on the strength of their potent one-two punch of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. This season, the Yankees are relying on a talented and deep starting rotation led by the one-two punch of Gerrit Cole and Max Fried.

The newest Hall of Famer, CC Sabathia, is working with the team's pitchers at New York Yankees Spring Training 2025. That sets up a pretty cool moment. A picture of Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, and Max Fried together in the Yankees' bullpen between sessions sets high expectations for the newly signed left-hander.

Fried met Ron Guidry, a Yankees spring instructor, for the first time and is taking advantage of the 74-year-old's experience and wisdom.