Max Fried joins MLB playoff legends with his start vs Red Sox

Max Fried added his name to an exclusive list of MLB postseason legends Wednesday night. The Yankees left-hander became the seventh pitcher in MLB history to make at least one postseason start in seven consecutive years, joining some of the greatest playoff pitchers the sport has ever seen.

Tonight, Max Fried will become the sixth pitcher in MLB history to make at least one postseason start in seven consecutive years (2020-2026), joining Greg Maddux (nine), Andy Pettitte (nine), Tom Glavine (eight), Clayton Kershaw (eight) and Roger Clemens (seven). pic.twitter.com/ZDBRWyYOoN

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Fried joins an incredible list of postseason legends

Oct 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) relieves pitcher Max Fried (54) in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game two of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Fried’s streak began in 2020 and continued through Wednesday night’s Game 2 start against the Boston Red Sox. That gives him seven consecutive seasons with at least one postseason start, putting him alongside an impressive group of pitchers.

The list includes Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Andy Pettitte, Clayton Kershaw, John Smoltz and Roger Clemens.

Fried’s achievement is particularly notable because he has now established himself as a consistent postseason starter across multiple organizations and stages of his career.

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Fried delivered when the Yankees needed him

May 13, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried (54) delivers during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Fried didn’t simply make history by taking the mound. He delivered one of his best postseason performances in a Yankees uniform.

The left-hander allowed just three hits and one earned run over six innings against Boston, walking one and striking out six on 98 pitches. The Yankees went on to win 9-2 and complete a two-game sweep of the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Series.

After the Yankees selected Cam Schlittler to start Game 1, Fried followed him in Game 2 and helped send New York into the AL Division Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

For Fried, Wednesday night was another chapter in an already impressive postseason résumé — and another reminder that his October experience now puts him in the company of some legendary MLB playoff pitchers.

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