Yankees' Max Fried Asked Skubal If He Wanted to Start MLB ASG Before Boone's Decision
New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried contacted Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal regarding the American League starting spot in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
"He asked me if I wanted to start (the ASG)," Skubal said, per Evan Woodbery of MLive.com.
He initially resisted the offer, but revealed that Fried was insistent and eventually received a call from Yankees manager Aaron Boone regarding the start.
"It was actually a really cool conversation (with Fried)," Skubal said, via Woodbery. "It’s a very professional thing to do, and I've got a ton of respect for guys that do stuff like that."
Boone later revealed that Fried wouldn't pitch in the All-Star game due to a start on Saturday, per Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media.
He'll travel to Atlanta for the All-Star festivities, though.
Fried spent the first eight years of his career with the Atlanta Braves before signing an eight-year, $218 million contract with New York in Dec. 2024.
His first year with the Yankees has been impressive, as he owns a record of 11-3 to go along with a 2.43 ERA and 1.008 WHIP. Fried has also recorded 113 strikeouts and 27 walks in 122 innings of work.
Skubal is also in the midst of another strong season with the Tigers, remaining sharp on the mound after unanimously winning the 2024 AL Cy Young Award.
He owns a 10-3 record in 19 starts this year, posting a 2.23 ERA. His average of 11.38 strikeouts per nine innings is the highest in the majors, while his average of 1.19 walks per nine innings is also the lowest among all qualified pitchers.
Opposing batters are also slashing just .193/.228/.283 against Skubal this season.
Both pitchers had compelling arguments to be named an All-Star starter for the first time in their respective careers, but Fried's kind gesture helped ensure that Skubal received the honor.
