Max Fried was the most coveted free agent on the market. He was a rising senior, enjoying a carefree SoCal summer, when a hurricane hit his mailbox, casually mentioning that his high school, Montclair Prep, would be dropping its athletics department. As classmates scouted colleges, the nation’s top-rated southpaw searched for somewhere to graduate.

Max Fried has become the first MLB pitcher this season to reach 10 wins, helping the Yankees defeat the Reds 7-1 on Wednesday.

Amidst the Yankees’ recent struggles, one thing has remained the same. They have a bona fide ace in Max Fried.