Red Sox Legend Sings Yankees’ Praises: ‘Must Be The Pinstripes’

Say it ain’t so, Pedro.

Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez is one step away from once again calling the Yankees his daddy.

Following New York’s 10-2 beatdown Tuesday of the Kansas City Royals, the former Red Sox ace turned to social media to heap praise upon the Bronx Bombers.

“The thing that impresses me the most is how the Yankees presents themselves,” Martinez wrote on X. “The culture that they have. It’s a presence unlike anybody else. It must be the pinstripes.”

The Yankees’ win featured a 469-foot home run by reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge and another quality start by left-hander Max Fried, who signed an eight-year, $218 million contract in December. The southpaw gave up two earned runs over seven innings, becoming the first pitcher this season to collect nine wins. Fried’s 1.85 ERA is fifth-best in the majors, and it caught Martinez’s attention.

“I was impressed with the way Max Fried approached the game. … I love the way he goes about his business,” Martinez continued. “He pitched the same way when the game was 0-0 and when it was 10-2. He never looked around and went about his business. Never lost concentration. That’s why he kept making pitches when he needed to.”

Fried and the Yankees (40-25) conclude their three-games series with the Royals on Thursday, after which they head to Boston for their first appearance this season at Fenway Park. Fried is lined up to pitch in the series finale on Sunday against Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello.

Boston missed Fried last weekend, when the Red Sox took two of three games from the Yankees in the Bronx.