One of the newest members of the New York Yankees is drawing criticism from his former fanbase. Max Fried was introduced at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, and one of his comments has led to frustration from some Atlanta Braves fans who believe he took a subtle shot at their organization.
“Winning is a big priority for me,” Fried told reporters. “Every single year the Yankees come to Spring Training, the number one goal is to win a World Series, to get to the playoffs. It’s not to do anything besides hold up the trophy at the end of the year. Knowing I was going to make a potentially long commitment, I wanted to be in a place that I knew I was going to be able to win, year in and year out.”
Mark Powell, a Braves writer at FanSided, took exception to this remark. However, he’s not alone in his feelings toward Fried. “The answer to that question is a complicated one,” wrote Powell. “Fried would know better than most. While the Braves’ young stars are signed long-term, their farm system needs a rebuild of its own. Atlanta should be a playoff team next season, but lost in the Wild Card round and hasn’t been active enough this winter to dramatically improve its chances – at least not yet.”
The admittance of the Braves not improving their chances to advance past the Wild Card round should be enough to end this discussion. Until the Braves make some signings, the Yankees have a much better roster right now.
Powell also described Fried as “selling his soul just a little bit” and then added the Braves’ offers “never came close” to the deal he got with the Yankees.
If someone wanting to win a World Series is selling their soul, then that description can be given to every professional baseball player. It’s clear Fried is living rent-free in the heads of some Braves fans.
