Max Fried Set to Lead Yankees’ Rotation in Gerrit Cole’s Absence, Says Kevin Frandsen
With Gerrit Cole’s season-ending Tommy John surgery putting a halt to his 2025 campaign, the New York Yankees are now looking to their remaining pitching staff to fill the void. One player who is expected to step up significantly is left-hander Max Fried, who joins the Yankees after a standout career with the Atlanta Braves.
Former Washington Nationals player Kevin Frandsen recently shared his perspective on Fried’s crucial role in the Yankees’ rotation. Despite losing their ace, Frandsen believes that the Yankees have the depth and talent to remain competitive, with Fried at the forefront of the pitching staff.
Max Fried to Lead Yankees’ Rotation
Frandsen emphasized that Fried, who has proven himself as a reliable starter in the majors, is primed to take on a leadership role in the absence of Cole. Known for his precision and consistency, Fried has the tools necessary to be the anchor for New York’s rotation. His ability to handle high-pressure situations and deliver in key moments will be vital as the Yankees navigate a challenging 2025 season without their top pitcher.
“Max Fried has the ability to step up and be the guy who leads that rotation,” Frandsen stated. “He’s shown time and time again with the Braves that he’s got the poise and the stuff to handle the big moments. The Yankees will need him to perform at his best in Cole’s absence.”
Fried’s track record speaks for itself, with the left-hander having made several All-Star appearances and consistently being one of the most effective pitchers in the National League. His experience and ability to manage games with a calm demeanor will be key assets as he steps into a pivotal role with the Yankees.
A Deep, but Uncertain Rotation
While the loss of Gerrit Cole is a significant blow, the Yankees still have a strong pitching staff, and Frandsen is optimistic about their chances. Alongside Fried, New York will rely on several other capable pitchers to step up.
Carlos Rodón, who joined the Yankees in recent seasons, has the potential to be a dominant force when healthy. His electric stuff and ability to strike out batters make him a key contributor to the Yankees’ rotation, though he will need to stay healthy and consistent to help fill the gap left by Cole.
Clarke Schmidt, Marcus Stroman, and Will Warren also represent important pieces in the puzzle for the Yankees. Schmidt has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to find more consistency, while Stroman brings a wealth of experience and a steady presence on the mound. Warren, a younger arm, will need to prove himself, but his potential could be an asset down the road.
Frandsen remains confident that these pitchers, combined with Fried’s leadership, will help keep the Yankees’ rotation competitive in 2025. “It’s a solid rotation,” he said. “Fried is the centerpiece, but if Rodón and Stroman can stay healthy, and if Schmidt and Warren continue to develop, this team can still be dangerous.”
A Challenging Season Ahead for the Yankees
While Frandsen’s optimism is encouraging, the loss of Cole cannot be understated. As one of the best pitchers in the game, his absence will certainly leave a void in the Yankees’ pitching staff. However, with Fried stepping into the spotlight, the Yankees are hoping that their pitching depth can make up for the loss of their ace.
For the Yankees to remain competitive in 2025, they will need Fried to lead the way while the other pitchers around him rise to the challenge. It will be a season of adjustments, but with the right leadership and pitching performances, New York could still contend for a playoff spot.
As the team works to adjust to Cole’s absence, the focus will be on how Fried and the rest of the rotation perform in the coming months. If they can rise to the occasion, the Yankees might just be able to weather the storm and remain in the hunt for a postseason berth.
