New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has encountered enough roadblocks this spring, punctuated by ace Gerrit Cole’s recent Tommy John surgery. Boone shouldn’t expect much sympathy from Yankees fans.

In fairness to Boone, he’s not responsible for the rash of injuries keeping designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (elbows), infielder DJ LeMahieu (calf), and starting pitcher Luis Gil (lat) out indefinitely. We can’t blame Boone for Cole needing season-ending elbow surgery.

However, Boone continued irritating the fanbase with vague or confusing statements in recent weeks. Boone questionably said Cole’s injury wasn’t a “death blow” despite the team’s other various ailments.

Then came Tuesday, when Boone said he isn’t sure if former Atlanta Braves All-Star Max Fried will start Opening Day. “It might not line up,” Boone told reporters, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

 

 

Boone didn’t disclose who would toe the mound on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, the likely favorites are Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman, who ended last year in the bullpen after an ugly second half.

“This franchise literally doesn’t know how to do anything,” wrote one X user. “it’s almost [too] sad to laugh at this point.” Added another: “Make it make sense! They have 2 weeks until the 1st game. Set the tone with Cole down and out and have Max pitch the opener.”

Several Yankees fans defended Boone’s logic. However, others questioned why the Yankees wouldn’t alter their spring rotation to ensure Fried, who signed a five-year, $218 million deal this offseason, gets the ball.

 

 

“Boone always has an excuse,” one fan vented. “Max is now the ace. It’s March 11 opening day is 17 days away. He can shuffle a few things around and have him ready for the mound.”

Max Fried: Different uniform. Same Curveball. pic.twitter.com/N0ZKhZCG08 — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 4, 2025 Even the most loyal Yankees fans have lost trust and faith in Boone, the club’s manager since 2018.

“I love them, but when big hoss Gerrit Cole goes down with Tommy John, the optics of big-dollar free agent Max Fried not stepping up to take the ball on opening day are definitely sub-optimal,” read one comment. No one is asking Fried to throw 110 pitches across eight innings on Opening Day. All Yankees fans want is the team to start the season with their best option, not an inconsistent lefty or a pitcher who refused to come out of the bullpen this spring.

 

 

“One day change should not completely destroy Fried’s arm,” a fan wrote. “Fried is our ace for the season. Treat him as such.”