TAMPA, Fla. — Besides the humongous paychecks Max Fried signed up for when picking the Yankees during his winter free agency, $27.25 million for the next eight seasons for a grand total of $218 million, the now ex-Atlanta Braves staff ace was looking forward to being a No. 1A starter.

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.

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.

Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees from spring training Try it free TAMPA — Add one more quirk to a Yankees rotation that has become quirky: Without their No.