It’s pouring gold in the Yankees dugout this spring season. Yes, the yesteryear Yankees legends are lined up to visit, bringing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the current roster. More than just nostalgia, these visits could help instill the traditional Yankee-like attitude—the mindset that winning is everything.

So, how does it feel for the current Yankees to have legends back in the fold? Max Fried shared his overwhelming experience meeting the 7x Cy Young winner, Roger Clemens. What does it mean for the team that Fried is getting firsthand wisdom from one of the greatest pitchers of all time?

2025 is going to be the first season for Max Fried. His contract of $218 million for eight years is the highest deal ever given to a left-handed pitcher. A deserving player he is with a 3.25 ERA, 11-10 record, and 166 SOs in the last year for the Braves. He is planned as a strong No. 2, who might be used in a postseason rotation behind Gerrit Cole. “He’s one of the game’s really good pitchers,” said the Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, about Fried. The good is about to be the best with the touch of Clemens! 

How is it for Max Fried to get tips from the legend? “He’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball history, so to kind of hear what he has for me,” said Fried about Roger Clemens in an interview with the MLB Network. The clutch moments, the type of attacks by the pitchers, and staying calm during high-leverage situations are things that were transferred from Clemens. “Brains who had a lot of success in this game so far, so if there’s something that I can pick up from them that helps me out there,” Fried added, reflecting on reaping benefits from Clemens. 

Guest instructors? More like Yankees royalty in action

Every bit of experience counts for the Yankees because of the mounting ailments and high expectations. Thus, restoring the legends of the past to the field is the best course of action. The Yankees are bringing back a custom that made their spring training experience memorable and exceptional. How? By recruiting more legendary players to serve as guest instructors. Jorge Posada, Mike Mussina, Bucky Dent, Joe Torre, CC Sabathia, Alfonso Soriano, and Tino Martinez are all anticipated to be on this year’s roster. The Yankees are currently getting criticized for not having a typical Yankee-like attitude. Hence, offering a historical touch might act as an immunity.

Among all the legends slated to make a comeback, Roger Clemens got much hype due to his relationship with Andy Pettitte, the special advisor to the team. Clemens hasn’t been a part of the club since 2007, the last season of his playing career; thus, his comeback is noteworthy. For those unaware, Clemens had a bitter ending to his career when he was accused of the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. In that trial, Pettitte testified against his old friend, which makes the reunion of both legends more remarkable this time. 

Getting back the legends is the best the Yankees can do to charge up their current roster. The upcoming regular season will unfold how Max Fried and his teammates are benefitting from the same.

Do you think that the past legends make a difference for the Yankees now? Share with us below.