(JTA) – Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried grew up idolizing Jewish Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax. But he has accomplished something even his childhood hero never did: win a Gold Glove – let alone three.
For the third consecutive season, Fried, 28, has been named the National League’s top defensive pitcher. The award is given to the best defensive player at every position in each league.
Fried was named to his first All-Star team, while going 14-7 with a 2.48 earned run average. On the defensive side, Fried ranked third among all pitchers with three defensive runs saved, and tied for fourth with three pickoffs.