The Yankees’ $218 million free agent signing indeed will be regarded as the new staff ace, but it’s unlikely two-time All-Star Max Fried will debut in pinstripes on Opening Day.

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While the loss of long-time ace Gerrit Cole has no doubt harmed the New York Yankees' hopes in 2025 and stripped them from a steadying presence at the front of the rotation, they do have another ace ready to step into that particular breach.

On the December afternoon Max Fried was formally fitted for pinstripes, the left-hander spoke about looking forward to pairing with Gerrit Cole at the top of the Yankees' rotation, saying that he would be “excited to sit and watch every single one of his starts.

The New York Yankees more than likely signed Max Fried because they knew their fate with Gerrit Cole (especially after his opt out situation).

Max Fried is now the de facto ace for the New York Yankees. Gerrit Cole is going to miss the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, and up-and-comer Luis Gil — the reigning AL Rookie of the Year — is going to miss at least three months with a lat strain.