To Watch Max Fried, the Phillies Should Be Devastated
The Philadelphia Phillies’ postseason aspirations are built around their stars, their resilience, and their unyielding drive to capture another World Series title. Yet, amid the excitement of the 2023 season, one thing stands out: the looming presence of Max Fried. For the Phillies, seeing Fried on the mound is not a mere challenge—it’s a reminder of the one that got away and the devastating impact he can have when he takes to the rubber. With his skill set, history, and ability to dominate the Phillies’ lineup, Max Fried has quickly become a figure they should fear, respect, and ultimately dread.
Max Fried’s Unmatched Arsenal
Max Fried, a left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, is one of the premier aces in Major League Baseball. A native of California, Fried has evolved into the kind of pitcher who commands attention every time he steps on the mound. Known for his pristine curveball, effective fastball, and sneaky changeup, Fried’s ability to disrupt hitters is unparalleled.
Fried is often the type of pitcher who dominates early in games, stifling opposing offenses and keeping them from ever getting comfortable. His curveball, often regarded as one of the best in baseball, drops sharply and fools hitters into chasing pitches they have no chance of hitting squarely. His fastball, while not blazing in terms of velocity, moves with precision, hitting spots and keeping batters off balance. The changeup, though less utilized than his two primary weapons, is deceptive and serves as a perfect tool to keep hitters on their toes.
This combination of movement, velocity, and control makes Fried a nightmare for any offense. The Phillies, with a potent lineup that includes the likes of Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto, are certainly capable of big offensive performances. However, Fried’s approach takes away their advantages. He forces them to be patient, makes them think about their approach, and ultimately beats them by not letting them hit the ball with authority. For the Phillies, this is a nightmare scenario.
Historical Struggles Against Fried
The numbers don’t lie: the Phillies have struggled against Max Fried. Over the years, Fried has faced Philadelphia multiple times, and each appearance has been a reminder of his dominance. In his career against the Phillies, Fried holds a solid track record, often going deep into games while limiting the damage. For a team that relies on explosive offense to push through tough matchups, Fried’s consistency presents a stark contrast. His ability to keep hitters off balance and deliver clutch performances has turned him into a regular thorn in the side of the Phillies.
One of the most devastating examples of Fried’s impact came in the 2021 National League Championship Series (NLCS), when he helped propel the Braves past the Phillies’ division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and eventually to a World Series victory. In that series, Fried pitched lights-out ball, tossing critical innings that kept the Dodgers at bay. The Phillies had to watch as their rivals in Atlanta celebrated the title, and Fried’s role in that victory became increasingly evident as the Braves marched on.
While this memory stings for Phillies fans, it’s also a clear reminder of the kind of pitcher Fried can be on the big stage. His ability to rise to the occasion, especially in high-stakes games, is exactly the trait that makes him a fearsome foe. Against a team like the Phillies, who are constantly in the playoff mix, Fried’s clutch performances should have the Phillies worried every time they line up to face him.
Fried’s Psychological Advantage
Beyond the statistics and pitching mechanics, Max Fried also has a psychological edge over the Phillies. There’s something intimidating about watching a pitcher who knows how to silence the crowd and take the momentum out of a game. Fried has this uncanny ability to dictate the pace of a game, especially against a team like the Phillies, where power and aggression are their bread and butter.
The Phillies, known for their fiery personalities and relentless offense, thrive on energy and emotion. They feed off their crowd, and when their hitters get going, they can overwhelm pitchers and shift the dynamic of a game. However, Fried’s demeanor and control on the mound often quash that momentum before it can even start. He doesn’t let hitters get comfortable. He’s quick, methodical, and focused—a bad combination for any team that needs to rely on making solid contact.
This psychological advantage is critical in postseason matchups, where the pressure of each pitch feels monumental. In such high-stakes games, Fried’s mental fortitude, combined with his skill, gives him the upper hand. When the Phillies face him, they are not only battling his pitches but also the mental game he plays.
The Braves’ Dominance and the Phillies’ Opportunity
The Atlanta Braves, led by Fried, have been the dominant force in the National League for the past few years. Their offensive firepower, led by Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and others, has often overshadowed their pitching staff. Yet, it’s Fried who represents the Braves’ true edge in high-pressure situations, the one who can turn a postseason series in Atlanta’s favor with just one or two well-executed starts.
For the Phillies, there is no question about their ability to compete with the Braves. They have an offense that can match up with the best in the league and a pitching staff that has the potential to hold its own in big moments. However, the presence of Max Fried serves as a constant reminder of how narrow the margin is between postseason success and failure. If the Phillies hope to get back to the World Series, they will inevitably have to go through Fried—and that’s not a task to be taken lightly.
