Gerrit Cole is out, and Max Fried is stepping in. With a record-setting contract under his belt, the New York Yankees are counting on their new star pitcher to take charge.
But can Fried handle the challenge of replacing one of the league’s top pitchers?
New York Yankees Betting Big on Max Fried To Carry Rotation in 2025
Fried has been a top performer throughout his career. In 2021, he threw two rare “Maddux” games — complete-game shutouts on fewer than 100 pitches. The first came on Aug. 20 against the Baltimore Orioles, when he threw an 84-pitch complete game. The second was on Sept. 24, when he needed just 85 pitches to shut down the San Diego Padres.
Max Fried since 2021
603 IP
2.87 ERA
0.70 HR/9
54.4 GB%
76.3 LOB%
68 ERA-Easily a top 10 pitcher in the league.pic.twitter.com/BrWuBqGCBZ
— Post Parm Volpe (@VolpeParm11) March 12, 2025
In 2024, he continued his strong form, including a 92-pitch shutout against the Miami Marlins on April 23. Later that year, on Sept. 6, he struck out eight batters over seven innings, allowing just one earned run against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Fried, a left-handed pitcher, signed with the Yankees on Dec. 17, 2024, for an eight-year, $218 million contract, the largest ever for a left-handed pitcher.
His deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and a limited no-trade clause. According to reports, he will earn $12 million per year for the first two seasons before his salary jumps to $29 million per year from 2027 through 2032.
With Gerrit Cole Out Until 2026, Fried Steps Up as Yankees’ New Ace
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on March 11, 2025.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the procedure at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles after Cole experienced discomfort following a Grapefruit League start on March 6.
Recovery from Tommy John surgery typically takes 12 to 18 months, meaning Cole will likely miss all of 2025 and possibly part of the 2026 season as well.
Pressure now falls on Max Fried and Carlos Rodon for the Yankees in 2025 pic.twitter.com/vnipKjX37m
— 4 Train Savages (@FourSavages) March 15, 2025
MLB insider Jeff Passan broke down the Yankees’ rotation outlook following Cole’s injury.
“New York Yankees can put a rotation out for opening day, Max Fried who they gave $218 million this winter — would be at the top along with Carlos Rodón who they signed for $162 million — Marcus Stroman who they tried to trade all winter now is clearly playing an integral part. Clarke Schmidt is going to start his first game of the spring tomorrow,” Passan said.
He also added:
“They can go out there with the team that they’ve got right now and be competitive.”
“The Yankees have options, they have possibilities — it’s just been a grim spring for them.”
With Cole sidelined, Fried is now the centerpiece of the Yankees’ 2025 plans, arguably taking on a more critical role than even Aaron Judge.
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Although Judge remains one of the game’s best power hitters, known for his home runs, bat speed, plate discipline, and defensive skills, the Yankees’ lineup already has plenty of offensive firepower. Their biggest need heading into 2025 is on the mound, and that’s where Fried comes in.