The New York Yankees’ Opening Day starter from 2020 to 2023, Gerrit Cole, won’t be available to make the important appearance this year. He recently had Tommy John surgery and will be out for longer than a year.

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.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried may not get the nod on Opening Day. Manager Aaron Boone noted that "it might not line up" for Fried to take the mound that day. Fantasy managers should monitor his status,

With Gerrit Cole lost to Tommy John surgery, the Yankees have settled on a new Opening Day starter. Carlos Rodón will take the ball when the Bombers host the Brewers on March 27. Aaron Boone made the announcement on Friday, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, though pitchers’ schedules were already trending that way following Cole’s procedure.

Left-hander Carlos Rodon was tabbed as the New York Yankees' Opening Day starter on Friday by manager Aaron Boone.

Max Fried is now the de facto ace for the New York Yankees. Gerrit Cole is going to miss the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, and up-and-comer Luis Gil — the reigning AL Rookie of the Year — is going to miss at least three months with a lat strain.

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Plans for a pair of aces are on hold with Gerrit Cole out for the 2025 season before it began, pushing Max Fried to the front of the New York Yankees' rotation.