Max Fried Steps Up as Yankees Ace After Gerrit Cole Injury

In a significant shake-up for the New York Yankees, Max Fried is set to take on a pivotal role in the team’s rotation following Gerrit Cole’s season-ending Tommy John surgery. Fried, who joined the Yankees on an eight-year, $218 million contract, will now be thrust into the spotlight as the ace of the rotation.

This development comes as a major shift for the Yankees, who had high hopes for a Cole-Fried tandem to dominate the mound. Let’s delve into what this means for the Yankees and how Fried is preparing for his new role.

Table of Contents

Max Fried: The New Ace in Pinstripes

Max Fried’s arrival in New York was met with excitement and anticipation. The left-hander, known for his impressive stats with the Atlanta Braves, was expected to form a formidable duo with Gerrit Cole. However, with Cole sidelined for the season due to Tommy John surgery, Fried now shoulders the responsibility of leading the Yankees’ rotation.

Fried’s Career Highlights

Fried’s track record speaks volumes. Over eight seasons with the Braves, he posted a career record of 73-36 with a 3.07 ERA in 168 games (151 starts). His accolades include being a two-time top-five finisher in NL Cy Young Award balloting. Notably, Fried ranks third in the Majors in home runs allowed per nine innings (0.8), fifth in ERA, opponents’ slugging (.352), and groundball percentage (54.6%).

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The Impact of Cole’s Injury

Gerrit Cole’s injury is a significant blow to the Yankees. The right-hander was scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will keep him off the mound for at least a year. This not only affects the team’s rotation but also places additional pressure on Fried to perform at an elite level.

Yankees’ Rotation Adjustments

With Cole out, the Yankees will need to make several adjustments to their rotation. In-house candidates like Will Warren, Carlos Carrasco, and Allan Winans are being considered for the No. 5 spot. Manager Aaron Boone has yet to decide on the Opening Day starter, though Fried is a natural fit for the role.

Fried’s Perspective and Preparation

Max Fried has expressed his disappointment for Cole but remains focused on his own performance. *At the end of the day, no one is Gerrit Cole, right?* Fried said. *I’ve got to take the ball every time that I take the ball. It doesn’t matter if he was on the mound or not. Realistically, it’s just about doing my job. It’s going out there and making sure that, when I take the ball, we have a really good chance to win that day.*

Spring Training and Grapefruit League

Fried has already made his mark in Spring Training, with one Grapefruit League start against the Pirates on March 3. His next scheduled outing is set for Thursday against the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. These games are crucial for Fried to fine-tune his skills and prepare for the regular season.

The Importance of Fried’s Addition

The Yankees’ decision to sign Fried was a strategic move, especially in light of Juan Soto opting to sign with the Mets. Fried’s addition is seen as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ organizational pivot. His ability to limit home runs and induce groundballs makes him a valuable asset to the team.

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Fried’s Mindset

Fried is well aware of the expectations placed on him but remains grounded. *For me, I have to be Max Fried,* he said. *I can’t try to fill anyone else’s shoes. I’ve pitched with a lot of really great teammates and stuff like that. I have to know what makes me successful and not try to be someone I’m not.*

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season

As the Yankees gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Max Fried. His performance will be critical in determining the team’s success. With the season opener against the Brewers on March 27, the anticipation is building.

Manager’s Perspective

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has not yet confirmed Fried as the Opening Day starter but acknowledges his importance to the team. Boone is expected to make a decision within the next several days. Fried himself remains focused on the bigger picture, stating, *The way I try to see it is, it’s one of hopefully 33 starts. It’s obviously nice to get off to a good start and on the right foot. But it’s one of 33, and if we go where we want to go, hopefully there’s more than that.*

Conclusion

Max Fried’s role in the Yankees’ rotation has become even more crucial with Gerrit Cole’s injury.

As Fried prepares to lead the team, his experience and mindset will be key factors in navigating the challenges ahead.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the 2025 season unfolds, eager to see how Fried and the Yankees perform.

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For more detailed insights, you can read the full article on Max Fried’s new role and the Yankees’ rotation adjustments on MLB.com.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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