While the loss of long-time ace Gerrit Cole has no doubt harmed the New York Yankees' hopes in 2025 and stripped them from a steadying presence at the front of the rotation, they do have another ace ready to step into that particular breach.

On the December afternoon Max Fried was formally fitted for pinstripes, the left-hander spoke about looking forward to pairing with Gerrit Cole at the top of the Yankees' rotation, saying that he would be “excited to sit and watch every single one of his starts.

The Yankees’ $218 million free agent signing indeed will be regarded as the new staff ace, but it’s unlikely two-time All-Star Max Fried will debut in pinstripes on Opening Day.