Yankees left-hander Max Fried has undergone surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow and is expected to be ready for spring training, general manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Cashman outlined six weeks of rest and rehabilitation before Fried begins his training program in the second week of December, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. He also provided an encouraging update on Aaron Judge’s recovery and discussed the club’s offseason roster and coaching decisions.
Fried’s recovery follows two injured-list stints
Fried’s second season with New York included injured-list assignments in May and August because of a left elbow injury described as a bone bruise or contusion.
The three-time All-Star finished 5-5 with a 2.80 ERA in 20 starts, throwing 112 2/3 innings. He turns 33 in January and will enter the third season of his eight-year, $218 million contract.
Cashman’s timeline calls for Fried to resume his offseason preparation in December, with spring training readiness remaining the team’s expectation.
Judge’s follow-up brings encouraging news
Judge received a favorable update after a follow-up visit with Dr. Gregory Pearl, the Texas-based specialist evaluating the healing of his right rib fracture, Cashman said.
Cashman said Judge will continue resting over the winter and is expected to be ready to return without another procedure. Judge played only 66 games in 2026, missing time because of the rib fracture and a right calf strain in September.
Cashman said a healthy Judge would give the Yankees a deeper lineup, while stressing that improving the offense requires more than the captain’s return.
Second base and catcher remain priorities
After managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner raised concerns about the offense and regression among key hitters, Cashman said the Yankees will explore ways to improve production at several positions.
Anthony Volpe is among the internal candidates for second base after expanding his versatility in the minors. Cashman also plans to consider outside options and said both Volpe and third baseman Ryan McMahon are capable of producing more.
Luis García Jr. is being considered at first and second base. García previously played second for Washington, and Cashman said the Yankees remain open to exploring that role.
The club also continues to seek a right-handed-hitting catcher to complement Austin Wells. Cashman praised Ali Sánchez’s defensive work but said New York would like more offense from that roster spot. The Yankees pursued that kind of addition during the summer without finding a fit.
Bednar decision could shape bullpen rebuild
David Bednar has until Nov. 17 to decide whether to accept a one-year qualifying offer worth $23.15 million. His decision could help determine how the Yankees address a bullpen with several vacancies.
Cashman identified the relief corps as perhaps the team’s biggest need, citing the free agency of Bednar, Tim Hill and Paul Blackburn.
Bednar converted 35 of 39 save opportunities last season. Cashman praised his composure as closer and said the Yankees hope to retain him.
Gershenfeld promoted as hitting-coach search continues
The Yankees have not resolved their hitting-coach situation. Cashman described James Rowson as a free agent who is speaking with other clubs while New York considers candidates from inside and outside the organization.
Pitching coaches Matt Blake, Preston Claiborne and Desi Druschel will return in their previous roles. Luis Rojas and Dan Fiorito are set to coach on the baselines.
Aaron Gershenfeld, 34, has been promoted from organizational run prevention and catching coordinator to major league field coordinator and catching coach.
He replaces Tanner Swanson, who became the Mariners’ bench coach. Cashman praised Swanson’s work and said he has long been interested in becoming a bench coach and potentially a manager.
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