Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees from spring training Join NOw TAMPA — The Yankees have a former Red Sox to thank for their new lefty’s bread-and-butter pitch.

Growing up in Encino, California, Max Fried had the privilege of learning from a seven-time All-Star and World Series champion. That would be Reggie Smith, who spent 17 seasons in the majors with the Red Sox,

Fried met Ron Guidry, a Yankees spring instructor, for the first time and is taking advantage of the 74-year-old's experience and wisdom.