Max Fried is coming off a stellar outing against the Colorado Rockies. Fried helped the team rebound from their last defeat with ease after showing sheer dominance on the mound. The Yankees’ ace surrendered only one earned run and one walk. He struck out seven in 7.1 innings pitched.
The Yankees’ offense scored 13 runs to support their ace. While Fried had a great game, is also made an epic pickoff move against the Rockies’ Jordan Beck and Aaron Schunk. While several fans and players heaped huge praise on Fried, some thought that it was a balk. However, the umpires declared it fair.
Max Fried's Pickoff Move. pic.twitter.com/3qlnbzHzVW
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 24, 2025
Fans were divided in their responses as they took to social media to react to Fried’s pickoff move. Here are some reactions from X.
“Everyone wants to call a balk here but gotta remember that camera angle is deceiving. He steps toward first. Sneaky sneaky,” one fan wrote.
Everyone wants to call a balk here but gotta remember that camera angle is deceiving. He steps toward first. Sneaky sneaky.
— CHRIST IS LORD (@_ChristIsLord) May 24, 2025
“This is a balk. He is in pitching motion and most importantly foot doesn’t come off rubber,” another fan responded.
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This is a balk. He is in pitching motion and most importantly foot doesn’t come off rubber
— hodl-shark (@hodl_shark) May 24, 2025
“I’ll never understand how that isn’t a move towards home,” wrote one fan.
I’ll never understand how that isn’t a move towards home
— Mike Beals (@BealsMike) May 24, 2025
“Nasty,” wrote one fan.
Nasty
— jy2 (@jy2tradez) May 24, 2025
“Anyone who thinks this is a balk wasn’t coached correctly when they were 13 years old,” one fan wrote.
Anyone who thinks this is a balk wasn’t coached correctly when they were 13 years old
— renner (@yeahfunny69) May 24, 2025
“He steps more toward home than first base. balkish? well, he got away with it so brilliant move,” one fan chimed in.
he steps more toward home than first base. balkish? well, he got away with it so brilliant move.
— Rl (@Raul_88888888) May 25, 2025
Rockies are regarded, you never steal on a lefty pitcher. They see first base during their delivery.
— kmh1981 (@Arizona_Kittens) May 25, 2025
I saw a statistic once on how unbelievable his move his hes like far and away the best in baseball at it with no one remotely close
— Michael (@Lakitu886) May 25, 2025
Max Fried Leads MLB In ERA After Stellar Performance
The Yankees are making use of every penny they placed on Fried. The southpaw is giving them a strong season with incredible numbers. Fried leads the league in ERA and continues dominating opponents on the mound.
Fried has a 1.29 ERA and is ahead of Kris Bubic of the Kansas City Royals. Bubic is right behind the Yankees ace with a 1.47 ERA. Following Bubic at No. 3 is Nathan Eovaldi, with a 1.60 ERA. Max Fried will play a crucial role for the Yankees in their postseason run.
The Bronx Bombers have also set their eyes on their top prospect for a potential third baseman. The Yankees are at the top of the AL East division right now.
Also Read: Yankees Land Paul Blackburn In Bold Trade Proposal To Bolster Pitching Woes
