Yankees Pitcher Max Fried Reflects on ALDS Loss Amid Tipping Concerns

Fried credits the Blue Jays' preparation and approach, plans adjustments if given another chance in the playoffs.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried reflected on his struggles in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays last October. Fried gave up eight hits, seven earned runs, a home run, and two walks, putting the Yankees in an early 0-2 hole in the series, which they ultimately lost in four games. While Fried acknowledged the quality of the Blue Jays' offense, he expressed readiness to modify his approach if given another opportunity to pitch in the ALDS, which did not materialize.

Why it matters

The subject of pitch tipping, where pitchers inadvertently give hitters clues about upcoming pitches, has been a recurring concern in matchups between the Yankees and Blue Jays. Although tipping through natural means is legal, it has been a point of controversy, with the Blue Jays reportedly discovering at least one on-field indicator from the Yankees during the ALDS. Fried's struggles in Game 2 raised questions about whether he was tipping his pitches, which could have contributed to the Blue Jays' offensive outburst.

The details

Fried emphasized the Blue Jays' focus and timely hitting, but also expressed readiness to modify his approach if he had another opportunity to pitch in the ALDS. He admitted his previous strategy had been countered effectively by the Blue Jays' preparation. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake acknowledged the team had definite concerns about Fried's performance, but neither he nor Fried have confirmed whether the pitcher was tipping his pitches.

  • On October 5, Fried gave up eight hits, seven earned runs, a home run, and two walks in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Blue Jays.
  • The ALDS series ultimately ended in a four-game loss for the Yankees against the Blue Jays.

The players

Max Fried

A pitcher for the New York Yankees who struggled in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays, raising concerns about whether he was tipping his pitches.

Matt Blake

The pitching coach for the New York Yankees, who acknowledged the team had definite concerns about Fried's performance in the ALDS.

Toronto Blue Jays

The baseball team that defeated the New York Yankees in the ALDS, with their offense effectively countering Fried's approach in Game 2.

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What they’re saying

“They were locked in. They had a really good team approach, and they were definitely swinging the bats well at a good time. So it's just one of those things where my approach wasn't working, and what I was trying to do was getting met with what they had planned. They had a really good series. If I had to do it again, I'd definitely change things up.”

— Max Fried (theconwaybulletin.com)

“I definitely knew that I was going to try to do something differently if I had an opportunity to throw in Game 5.”

— Max Fried (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.