On Tuesday, Fried said he “definitely considered” the Red Sox after meeting with them via Zoom, but chalked up his decision to sign with the Yankees to a “gut feeling that I felt like this was the right place for me.” Of course, the money didn’t hurt either.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 18: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 18, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

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.