With Gerrit Cole down for the count, the New York Yankees are going to need to get even more out of Max Fried in his first year with the team. If he pitches well, the Atlanta Braves may regret letting him walk.

TAMPA, Fla. — Besides the humongous paychecks Max Fried signed up for when picking the Yankees during his winter free agency, $27.25 million for the next eight seasons for a grand total of $218 million, the now ex-Atlanta Braves staff ace was looking forward to being a No. 1A starter.

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.

Despite the loss of staff ace Gerrit Cole, Max Fried says the dream of winning a World Series with the Yankees "hasn't changed."

Fried was expected to be a terrific piece alongside Cole and Gil, but now he's going to be at the top of the rotation for New York.

The New York Yankees have had two big injuries to their rotation, but they are unlikely to add a pitcher, according to Ken Rosenthal. The post Insider Explains Why Yankees Are Unlikely to Add Another Pitcher to Replace Cole appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The New York Yankees more than likely signed Max Fried because they knew their fate with Gerrit Cole (especially after his opt out situation).