CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 27: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees walks towards the dugout before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images) Getty ImagesNew York Yankees left-hander Max Fried finally faced the Atlanta Braves on Friday, giving him his first opportunity to pitch against the organization that drafted him, developed him and helped establish him as one of baseball’s premier starting pitchers. It also gave Fried a chance to reflect on the decision that changed his career trajectory less than two years ago. Forbes Braves Skipper Sends ‘Really Difficult’ Austin Riley Message Amid Career-Worst SeasonNew York Yankees Ace Max Fried Sends Atlanta Braves Message After High-Profile Exit Fried looked every bit like the ace the Yankees envisioned when they signed him to an eight-year, $218 million contract in December 2024 . MORE FOR YOU His departure came after the 2024 season, when Fried entered free agency and ultimately chose New York with the Braves evidently declining to match the contract offer.