Max Fried Finds Form as Yankees Rotation Reaches Full Strength

The New York Yankees' starting rotation has reached a crucial juncture, with key pitchers Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón now consistently taking their turns. This development is a significant factor in the team's playoff aspirations, especially as they navigate the absence of slugger Aaron Judge.

For much of the season, the Yankees' starting rotation demonstrated considerable strength, posting the best ERA in the majors (3.30) even with significant absences. However, it has only been in the past month that the core group—including Game 1 wild-card starter Cam Schlittler, Game 2 starter Max Fried, potential Game 3 starter Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón—have been able to start games consistently together.

"It's something that I was looking forward to when I first signed here," Fried said. "It took a little bit longer than anyone probably would have expected. But also we were able to add another really, really quality arm in Cam. He’s obviously been doing great things."

Fried himself has been instrumental in the rotation's recent success. In his final eight regular-season starts, he recorded a 2.09 ERA over 43 innings. This strong performance comes after he battled a bone bruise in his left elbow, an injury that sidelined him for over two months and caused a brief return to the injured list in August.

"I would say that the command has gotten a lot better," Fried noted about his performance since returning. "I think just the pitching, to the not pitching, to getting back into it again, [made me] a little bit rusty. But over my last couple [starts], I felt normal. I feel like the same me. I’m not really worrying about my health going into the start."

The health of the pitching staff, particularly after Cole and Rodón underwent elbow surgeries in 2025, was a significant concern. Cole's return in May from Tommy John surgery was a notable boost. Fried emphasized the collective effort and pride the pitchers take in their performance.

"It starts with starting pitching keeping you in the game," Fried stated. "We take a lot of pride in being able to put our best foot forward, and we have a lot of confidence in all those guys that are going to be able to take the ball."

While the Yankees aim to advance beyond the wild-card series against Boston and potentially face the Rays in the ALDS, the rotation's depth will be tested. The absence of Aaron Judge for at least the wild-card series due to a strained calf, and Giancarlo Stanton's limited availability after a season-long calf injury battle, places additional pressure on the healthy arms.

"Gerrit coming back from surgery, that was a big boost," Fried said of Cole's return. "I know how important it was for me and Carlos to try to make as many starts and to be healthy throughout the whole year like we did last year. And we definitely were frustrated by the fact that we had to go on the IL a couple of times. But this was the goal. The goal was to make sure that we were in a good, built-up position and healthy going into September into the playoffs."

Despite not securing the top seed to avoid the wild-card series, the Yankees are positioned with a fully operational rotation, a key advantage as they enter the postseason. If the Yankees advance, Rodón is expected to remain a critical part of the rotation, giving the team a formidable matchup against any opponent.