NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are sending a wave of star power to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, but with celebration comes caution. The late addition of left-hander Carlos Rodon to the American League roster in place of Max Fried raised eyebrows—and questions. At the same time, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s decision to participate in the Home Run Derby despite ongoing shoulder concerns has left the Yankees front office weighing risk versus reward.
Rodon steps up after Fried scratched
Carlos Rodon’s inclusion in the All-Star Game came after Max Fried was ruled out due to workload management. The Yankees confirmed the decision on July 11, citing a combination of innings logged and scheduling logistics. Fried will pitch on Saturday against the Cubs and would not have had the standard rest to appear on Tuesday.
Rodon, who threw eight shutout innings with eight strikeouts in the Yankees’ 11-0 win the night before, was the logical replacement. With a 10–6 record, 3.08 ERA, and 135 strikeouts over 119.2 innings, the veteran southpaw has rebounded after a shaky 2024. This marks his third career All-Star selection, and his first in pinstripes.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed the timing of the swap: “I got to tell him [Thursday] night… a testament to perseverance… It’s getting your ass up. He’s got his ass up. I’m super proud of him.”
Rodon, who signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Yankees in December 2022, last appeared in an All-Star Game during his stints with the White Sox (2021) and Giants (2022). But Friday night’s dominant performance against the Cubs likely sealed the decision. He limited Chicago to just four hits and no runs in an 11–0 rout, reinforcing his case as one of the American League’s most reliable arms entering the break.
Why Fried was held back
Max Fried’s omission wasn’t injury-related. The decision was rooted in caution. The Yankees have closely monitored his workload through the first half, as Fried leads the AL in winning percentage (.846) and innings pitched (119). With the rotation already taxed and a critical second-half stretch looming, the Yankees chose not to risk unnecessary fatigue.
According to Boone, Fried is expected to stay fresh for the Yankees’ next big series against his former team, the Braves, immediately after the break.
“We’re in a stretch where every series counts,” Boone noted. “Max has done his part. This was about planning, not pressure.”
Fried, who has anchored the rotation alongside Rodon, will still attend the All-Star festivities in Atlanta but will not pitch. Fried earned his All-Star selection through player voting, receiving more votes than anyone except Detroit’s Tarik Skubal and Boston’s Garrett Crochet.
Chisholm’s derby gamble raises eyebrows
While Rodon replaces Fried on the mound, another Yankee is pushing limits on the big stage. Jazz Chisholm Jr., a first-time All-Star for New York, confirmed his participation in the Home Run Derby despite nursing a right shoulder issue.
Chisholm has already transitioned back to second base from third—largely to protect the shoulder, which had been aggravated by long throws across the diamond. The move appeared to be a calculated effort by the Yankees to limit strain and prolong his availability.
But the Derby comes with its own risks.
Chisholm enters the break with a .252 average, 17 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. He’s been a spark plug in the Yankees’ lineup, providing both energy and versatility. However, Home Run Derby swings have been known to disrupt hitter mechanics or exacerbate existing injuries.
Boone said Chisholm will be monitored closely during the event.
“He’s earned the spotlight,” Boone said. “But we’ll be smart about what comes next.”
The Yankees remain hopeful Chisholm can make it through the event unscathed. His presence at second base has improved infield stability. Chisholm’s participation in the Home Run Derby marks the first Yankees representative since Aaron Judge’s 2017 victory.
On Chisholm’s Derby inclusion, former All-Star second baseman Harold Peters was less certain:
“I love the kid’s flair. But if that shoulder isn’t 100 percent, that Derby can make things worse. It’s a calculated risk.”
What it all means for Yankees post-break
New York returns from the break with key series against the Braves and Orioles, two playoff contenders. The rotation, likely led by Fried and Rodón, will need to maintain consistency. Offensively, Judge and Chisholm remain the focal points, but their health will be monitored after the Derby.
Boone’s decision to rest Fried and greenlight Rodon seems rooted in pragmatism. The Yankees are betting that fresh arms in July will mean stronger ones in September.
Chisholm’s case is more unpredictable. If he emerges from the All-Star spotlight healthy, the Yankees gain momentum. If not, the gamble could haunt them during a brutal late-summer schedule.
The balance of power for New York has begun to shift away from overreliance on Judge. Chisholm’s athleticism, Fried’s precision, and Rodon’s resurgence have spread contributions across the roster. But All-Star Week could test the depth of that roster if post-break fatigue or setbacks arise.
The Yankees arrive at the All-Star break with reasons to celebrate and reasons to be cautious. Rodón’s rise and Fried’s prudence show a team managing its assets wisely. But Chisholm’s Derby plunge could be a flashpoint. The second half begins with hope—but laced with risk.
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