How Cole’s injury impacts the Yankees’ payroll and why Max Fried could step in this year

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The week began with Max Fried emerging as the leading candidate to take over Gerrit Cole‘s role this season. According to the New York Post, the left-hander may have inherited the Yankees‘ ace title, but he is not trying to be anyone but himself.

“I have to be Max Fried,” he said Tuesday morning. “I can’t try to fill someone else’s shoes.”

With Gerrit Cole undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Yankees face a major shakeup in their rotation. The absence of a workhorse on a Hall of Fame trajectory leaves a void no pitcher can truly fill. But Fried, the Yankees’ biggest offseason addition, is stepping into the number one role.

“I feel for him,” Max Fried said about Cole, with whom he shared the clubhouse for about a month. “It’s a tough situation. He’s a competitor and wants to be out there. I was really excited to share a dugout and play with him. It’ll just be delayed a bit.”

Cole’s injury not only reshapes the Yankees’ pitching plans but also forces the team to adjust in several areas. With Luis Gil also sidelined, Marcus Stroman solidifies his spot in the rotation, while a battle for the final slot emerges between prospect Will Warren and veteran Carlos Carrasco.

Fried, who signed an eight-year, $218 million contract this offseason, is now the Opening Day starter by default. Though the Yankees have yet to make an official announcement, the expectation is clear.

Yankees dealing with multiple injuries

Spring training has been tough on the Yankees, with injuries ranging from Cole and Gil to Giancarlo Stanton, DJ LeMahieu, and several bullpen arms. Despite the setbacks, Fried remains focused on the bigger picture.

“It’s still early,” Fried said. “We have a full season ahead and a lot of really talented, great players in this locker room that we trust.”

Aaron Judge shared the same sentiment, emphasizing that there is still time for players to recover and step up. But Cole’s absence will be felt not only in the rotation but also in the Yankees’ long-term plans.

Financial impact of Cole’s injury

Cole’s injury carries significant financial implications for the Yankees. When he signed his nine-year, $324 million contract in 2019, it was the largest deal ever for a pitcher. The Yankees, who had the second-highest payroll in the majors last season at nearly $304 million, now face the reality of paying their ace $36 million while he recovers.

Cole’s original contract included an opt-out clause after the 2024 season. While he exercised that right, the Yankees ultimately negotiated to keep him in the Bronx under the original terms—four more years and $144 million.

Now, with Cole out for the season, the Yankees must rely on Fried, Stroman, and the rest of the rotation to keep them competitive in the AL East.

Although Fried is not trying to replace Cole, he understands the responsibility ahead. He was a dominant force with the Braves, posting a 3.06 ERA over seven seasons, and now he needs to bring that consistency to New York.

“I’m just focused on doing my job,” Fried said. “Every fifth day, I take the ball and give this team the best chance to win.”

As the Yankees await reinforcements, they are counting on Fried to lead the way.

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