The New York Yankees are charging through the 2025 season, but the loss of superstar outfielder Juan Soto in free agency left a void that the team has worked tirelessly to fill. Enter Max Fried, the southpaw sensation who has become the cornerstone of the Yankees’ pitching staff. Signed to a blockbuster eight-year, $218 million contract, the 31-year-old has delivered a masterclass on the mound, boasting a 12-4 record and a sparkling 2.62 ERA. Fried’s dominance is undeniable, leading New York in wins and ERA while ranking third in baseball for wins, 11th in ERA, and 11th with a 1.03 WHIP.
Despite Fried’s heroics, the Yankees’ pitching rotation has faced challenges. Ace Gerrit Cole is sidelined for the season following Tommy John surgery, and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is only just set to make his season debut on Sunday. With the Trade Deadline looming on Thursday, speculation is swirling about whether the Yankees will bolster their roster further. When asked about the team’s plans after Tuesday’s thrilling 7-5 comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, Fried remained laser-focused. “You’ve just got to take care of business every day,” he told SNY. “That’s not something we can control… We have baseball games to win.”
“You’ve just got to take care of business every day. That’s not something that we can control.”
Max Fried was asked if he’s anxious to see what the Yankees do at the trade deadline: pic.twitter.com/r7PHvlZlxn
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) July 30, 2025
And win they did. Fried was pivotal in Tuesday’s triumph, earning his 12th victory of the season. He battled through 6.2 innings, allowing four runs (two earned), striking out nine, and issuing two walks—all while throwing a career-high 111 pitches. His performance underscored his value as the Yankees’ ace in Cole’s absence, proving he’s worth every penny of his massive contract.
The Yankees haven’t been idle in the trade market, either. In recent days, they’ve made strategic moves to strengthen their lineup, acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies and Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals. They also sent pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later or cash, signaling their intent to fine-tune the roster for a postseason push.
As the Yankees prepare to face the Rays again on Wednesday and Thursday, all eyes are on Fried and the front office. Will New York make another splash before the deadline? Fried’s cool-headed approach suggests he’s ready to lead, no matter who joins the squad. “We’re here to win games,” he reiterated, a quiet confidence that speaks volumes about his plan to dominate. With the Trade Deadline fast approaching, the Yankees—and their star pitcher—are poised to make waves in the AL East.