It became a surprise when the NY Yankees introduced former Braves pitcher Max Fried. If that’s not enough, offering the largest contract issued to a left-handed pitcher and the fourth-largest deal for any pitcher in MLB history was astonishing. Well, the Yankees now seem to bear the fruit for getting Max Fried. How?
Offering him the spot left by Gerrit Cole. The sudden injury for Cole opened a window of opportunity for several players, including Fried and Marcus Stroman. However, is Fried eligible enough to get into Cole’s big boots?
Well, Max Fried was a vital member of the Braves’ rotation in the 2024 MLB season, pitching 29 regular-season starts and throwing 174 1/3 innings with a 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts. Those are sensational numbers.
Moreover, after giving up three earned runs in 4.0 innings pitched in Game 2, Fried won the Braves’ only game in the 2023 NLDS against the Phillies thanks to his postseason prowess. Yes, he’s certainly in place to replace Cole’s 2024 performance with a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts. He indeed earned his spot with the NY Yankees.
The former MLB baseman Kevin Frandsen shared the same emotion with the MLB Network Radio. “You don’t get contracts like this just to get them; you deserve them. You’ve earned it. Now we get to see him earn it,” he said about Fried.
“You don’t get contracts like this just to get them; you deserve them. You’ve earned it. Now we get to see him really earn it.”
Will Max Fried be able to step up as the #Yankees number 1 starter with Gerrit Cole out for the season?
https://t.co/iXax8hx4iO pic.twitter.com/B1TZiDFVC3
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 13, 2025
Notably, Fried’s stint with the Braves earned him a place in the Yankees’ clubhouse. However, Cole’s injury landed him in the starting rotation. It’s now time to see how Fried makes the best of this opportunity this year. Although something to watch out for, Fried’s performance revamped the NY Yankees and will catch all the eyes this year.
He’s got to amp up his performances and help the Yankees not feel the loss of Gerrit Cole.
Turning the tides with the revamped Yankees
Max Fried will take charge of a rotation anticipated to include Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt because Cole is out. In addition, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, will miss because of a right lat strain. Thus, the pitching rotation is revamped for the NY Yankees this year.
Moreover, with Juan Soto gone, the base positions also got changed, with Paul Goldschmidt, Jazz Chisholm, and Oswaldo Cabrera placed respectively. Is it enough to get into the postseason and avenge their loss from last year?
Undoubtedly, the NY Yankees will start the regular season at an early disadvantage, owing to their injuries and losing out on big names.
However, a turnaround is possible. How? If Fried can make 30+ starts.
Carlos Rodon needs to improve from his previous season of 3.96 ERA. Plus, Aaron Judge could run for MVP once more. The rookie run-machine, Jasson Dominguez, needs to keep the scoreboard running. Last but not least, Fried’s fireballs need to work. Yes, it involves a lot of “IFs”, but it is possible to make it happen.
Hopefully, the revamped Yankees can go beyond 2024’s 94 wins. Far away from George Steinbrenner’s era of the Yankees, the team is now more youthful and athletic to make things work on the field.
Do you think Max Fried can lead the Yankees’ pitching in Cole’s absence? Let us know below.
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