Yankees' $218 million ace is rounding into form at the right time

The New York Yankees shocked fans by spending $218 million on Max Fried in the offseason, even before knowing Gerrit Cole would need elbow surgery.

At first, the deal felt unnecessary, even risky in the minds of some people, given Cole’s dominance and the organization’s promising young pitching depth.

But baseball rarely follows a script, and Fried’s arrival has quickly shifted from insurance policy to indispensable lifeline for New York.

By securing Fried, the Yankees didn’t just prepare for Cole’s absence — they ensured their rotation still featured a proven ace.

Fried’s early adaptation to New York

Many believed Max Fried might struggle under the relentless glare of New York media and Yankee Stadium expectations.

The Bronx is infamous for magnifying flaws, and Fried’s calm demeano