As the 2026 season kicks off, the New York Yankees find themselves in an intriguing position with their starting rotation. Gerrit Cole was expected to be the ace, a role he's held with authority, but Max Fried is making a compelling case to challenge that notion.
Fried dazzled on opening night, shutting down the San Francisco Giants with precision, and he followed it up with another stellar performance against the Seattle Mariners. In seven innings, he managed to silence one of the league's most formidable lineups, striking out six batters with ease.
Adding to the Yankees' pitching depth, Cam Schlittler has been impressive as well. His performance against the Giants was nothing short of remarkable, and he's poised to take on the Mariners next. Schlittler's contributions are proving to be a significant asset for the Yankees.
Fried's stats are turning heads-13.1 innings without allowing an earned run, maintaining an ERA of 0.00. With 10 strikeouts and a rate of 6.8 strikeouts per nine innings, Fried is setting a high standard early in the season.
The pressing question now is how the rotation will shape up once Cole is ready to return. Do the Yankees slot him back into the top spot, or does Fried continue to lead the charge?
The answer lies in Cole's performance upon his return. He showed promise in spring training, and according to manager Aaron Boone, he's set for a one-inning live BP session this week-a crucial step in his comeback journey.
Until Cole's return, Fried seems to be the reliable choice. Whether Cole returns with the same dominance or needs time to adjust post-Tommy John surgery remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: Fried is playing a pivotal role in crafting one of the Yankees' most formidable rotations in recent memory. With the way he's pitching, a Cy Young award for Fried in 2026 isn't out of the question.