Max Fried's press conference, AL East stats make him perfect fit to join Yankees

Max Fried, as was made clear in his introductory Yankees press conference, "wanted New York." Some of that desire comes from seeking the spotlight; Fried seems to be attracted to playoff bunting like a moth to a flame. Likely, a portion of that desire can also be ascribed to the rest of the American League East, a formidable division that he also happens to have carved up during his career.

Based on commentary from Wednesday's event, it seemed like both the Yankees and Fried never expected to come together early in the process. Aaron Boone said that he and Matt Blake left their initial 90-minute Zoom surprisingly enthused about the way the parties had connected. Fried noted that he expected to go elsewhere, but, quote, "When the Yankees say they’re interested in you, you perk up and you listen.”

And, if you're Fried, when the Yankees offer you a chance to plow through the Orioles, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Rays to reach your ultimate goal, that might sound pretty appealing, too.

In 10 career starts against the teams the Yankees have to top annually, Fried has sparkled. It may not mean everything, and rosters shift significantly year-over-year, but the left-hander's intensity was plainly obvious during Wednesday's event. Clearly, something clicks when he's tasked with going through this gauntlet.

Yankees left-hander Max Fried loves to feast in AL East, intensity of the pinstripes

And, yes, Fried's AL East dominance also includes the Yankees, a team he lulled to sleep for six one-run innings last June.

It's not just the Yankees' proximity to the rest of the AL East that lit Fried's fire, of course. Some players come to the Yankees for fame. Others fake an interest in franchise history because they believe the Yankees represent the best earning opportunity and nothing more; those players are fairly easy to snuff out.

Fried? He wants to be part of a commitment to winning. An organization that prepares each February to conquer, and goes home looking to refuel rather than reset when they come up short. Three simple words etched on the Yankee Stadium wall seemed to resonate with Fried the most.

During the question and answer portion on Wednesday, Fried made it clear that, while he'd gotten a taste of Yankee Stadium last summer, it hadn't been quite satisfying enough. After all, it was a weekend day game. He wanted the bright lights.

Now, he's got 'em.