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The New York Yankees have battled inconsistency this season, but Max Fried’s milestone offers a rare light in the midst of their struggles. In 175 career MLB starts, Max Fried has tallied 970 strikeouts while his teams have won 118 games. The achievement places him in elite company. Only Dwight Gooden and Johan Santana had matched both marks through the same number of starts in the modern era.
In his 175 career MLB starts, Max Fried has thrown 970 strikeouts and his team has won 118 games.
The only other pitchers in the modern era to reach both those marks through 175 career starts are Dwight Gooden and Johan Santana. pic.twitter.com/zwQ8FjKZxF
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 16, 2025
Fried’s consistency has been his calling card. He has long been recognized as a control pitcher with the ability to limit damage while still racking up strikeouts. For the Yankees, Max Fried offers the blend of durability and efficiency that championship-caliber teams covet. The balance between personal dominance and team success underscores the importance of his accomplishment.
The names alongside him make the feat even more notable. Dwight Gooden burst onto the scene in the 1980s with overpowering stuff and became one of the most talked-about young pitchers in baseball. Johan Santana carried the Minnesota Twins and later the Mets with a devastating changeup that defined an era. Both pitchers collected Cy Young Awards and earned reputations as game-changers. Fried now joins that conversation by matching their early-career production.
The significance of this accomplishment for the Yankees goes beyond statistics. Max Fried represents stability in a rotation that has battled inconsistency in recent years. His ability to post strikeouts while guiding his team to victories gives the Yankees the momentum they have been searching for. In addition, this milestone shows that Fried is more than just an addition to the roster. He has the potential to become a cornerstone of the pitching staff.
Baseball history often highlights power hitters or dramatic postseason moments. Yet milestones like this remind fans how vital starting pitchers are to team success. The Max Fried story continues to unfold for the Yankees. His place next to Dwight Gooden and Johan Santana already cements his status as one of the premier arms in today’s game.
As the season moves forward, one question becomes clear. Can Fried push beyond this milestone and claim the ultimate prize, just as Gooden and Santana once did?
