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Max Fried had a successful first year with the New York Yankees, leading the rotation without Gerrit Cole and finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young voting.
Without Fried, the Yankees' depth on the mound would have been questionable at best this past season. For 2026, Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt will all start the season on the injured list.
And when Cole returns, what version of the player will the Yankees receive? He is rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery and turned 35 in September.
New York is rumored to have interest in making a trade for a starter, and general manager Brian Cashman appeared determined to wait out the market at MLB's Winter Meetings.
The Yankees could pursue a trade with the Nationals
The Washington Nationals are one club the Yankees could negotiate a deal with to trade for a starter. They agreed to a trade during the summer, sending infielder Amed Rosario to the Yankees for right-hander Clayton Beeter and outfielder Browm Martinez.
Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly wrote Tuesday that the Yankees may be the best landing spot for Washington's All-Star left-hander MacKenzie Gore.
"Trading for Gore would give the Yankees a pitcher who's made at least 30 starts in consecutive seasons. He did struggle after the All-Star Break, but the pitcher who posted a 3.02 ERA over 19 first-half starts looked like a top-of-the-rotation arm," wrote Kelly.
"Gore could benefit from going to a contending organization that might help to unlock his ace potential on a more consistent basis."
Gore could further develop his "ace potential" playing alongside Cole and Fried.
More Yankees news:
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- How Yankees' Cody Bellinger decision could lead to big trade rumors
- Yankees 'Plan B' if Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger sign elsewhere revealed
- ESPN trade rumor has Yankees acquiring two veteran stars from Twins
- Yankees urged to swap Jasson Dominguez to Marlins for 6'5'' ace
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