Yankees' Pitching Star Max Fried Shines as Gerrit Cole is Sidelined

Yankees Still Thriving Despite Cole's Injury, Thanks to Max Fried

In the midst of a challenging season, the New York Yankees have been fortunately buoyed by the phenomenal performance of Max Fried. Despite Gerrit Cole's unfortunate absence due to an elbow injury, the Yankees have managed to stay competitive, thanks in large part to Fried's impressive display on the mound.

Aaron Judge echoed this sentiment, expressing his gratitude for Fried’s contributions, which have been reminiscent of Cole's native Sundays spent gracing the Yankees' pitching rotation.

"Fried's always been this good," Judge shared with the media before the Yanks salvaged the finale of their three-game series against the Dodgers. "Watching him in Atlanta during their World Series run, he was something special. And seeing him up close, you realize he's the total package."

Initially, Fried was anticipated to team with Cole to create a powerful one-two punch in the starting rotation after signing as a free agent last offseason for a whopping eight-year, $218 million contract. However, Cole's injury prevented that opportunity.

Unfortunately for the Yankees, Cole's impressive nine-year, $324 million deal means his $36 million salary for 2025 remains a dead expenditure, as he remains sidelined and recovers from Tommy John surgery. His injury has left a noticeable scar on his elbow, suggesting a lengthy recovery process could be in store.

"I take a more pragmatic approach," Cole admitted from California, where he's currently nursing his injury. "I'm taking things one day at a time, but so far, everything is going fine."

In Fried's absence, Carlos Rodon has stepped up to provide the Yankees with much-needed support in the rotation. Going into Friday's game, Fried sported a stellar 7-0 record and the lowest ERA in the Major Leagues. After enduring a pair of Shohei Ohtani homers and allowing a 5-2 lead to slip away, the southpaw took the 8-5 loss, lowering his record to 7-1 and increasing his ERA to 1.92.

Interestingly, Fried missed out on last year's World Series when he was still with the Atlanta Braves, while the Yankees battled it out with the Dodgers. However, the results Friday night were reminiscent of Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, where Cole took the mound and the team surrendered a 5-0 lead due to a disappointing fifth-inning defensive effort.

"I'm not as optimistic as I was last time," Fried mused after Friday night's loss. "The guys gave me an early lead; I just couldn't hold onto it. I'm a competitor, and I want to win. This one doesn't sit well with me."

Despite the setback, Fried has still maintained an impressive 0.97 WHIP, striking out 70 batters in 75 innings, and surrendering just 16 earned runs, 57 hits, and 16 walks across his first 12 starts. Opposing hitters are batting a modest .205 against him.

Like Cole, Fried also carries valuable World Series experience. While Cole pitched for Houston in 2019 and split his two starts as the Astros lost to the Washington Nationals, Fried claimed the mound for the Braves against the Astros in a deciding Game 6. He tossed six scoreless innings of four-hit ball, leading the Braves to a 7-0 championship-clinching victory. By that time, Cole had already signed with the Yankees.

"Max has been a key component in our current success," Cole remarked. "Aaron's historic first two months have driven us, and Aaron's consistency is a driving force. It's tough to watch from the bench, but that's the hand I've been dealt, and I'm giving it my best shot."

By the way, we lost Juan Soto to the Padres last season, but it ended up working out for the best. We managed to acquire Judge and other essential pieces, resulting in an even stronger team.

[1] Max Fried’s dominant start helps Yankees rally to stun Rangers

[2] Max Fried Earns AL Pitcher of the Month Honors

[3] Yankees' Max Fried Sets Franchise Record with 9th Consecutive Quality Start

Despite the absence of Gerrit Cole due to an injury, baseball games played by the Yankees have been reminiscent of Cole's impressive contributions to the team, with Max Fried stepping up and displaying comparable performance on the mound, akin to Cole's native Sundays.
Max Fried's impressive display in the MLB this season has been noteworthy, earning him the AL Pitcher of the Month honors, a testament to his skill and potential, similar to the impact that Gerrit Cole was expected to have when he joined the Yankees as a free agent.