Aaron Boone had a choice to make. With the 2025 MLB All-Star Game approaching and his ace Max Fried eligible to start, the Yankees manager could have showcased his new star pitcher in Atlanta, where Fried spent eight seasons with the Braves. Instead, Boone made a decision that tells you everything about New York’s priorities this season.
Why Did the Yankees Pull Max Fried From All-Star Duty?
MLB announced that New York Yankees ace Max Fried is ineligible to pitch in Tuesday night’s game and will be replaced by his teammate Carlos Rodón. The decision sparked intrigue about whether Boone would have selected Fried to start the All-Star Game, which would have created a compelling storyline given Fried’s history with the host Atlanta Braves.
Fried left Atlanta this past offseason to sign a long-term deal with the Yankees after spending eight seasons with the Braves. The left-hander leads the league with 11 wins, and his 2.27 ERA ranks fifth. He’s also on pace to pitch over 200 innings for the first time in his career.
Max Fried over/under 7.5 strikeouts tonight pic.twitter.com/C1taSR7698
— Yankees Pod (@YankeesPod) May 2, 2025
Despite some chatter about a potential injury, Fried is scheduled to make his last start before the All-Star break against the Chicago Cubs. This suggests that Boone, Fried, and the organization prioritize team success over individual honors. Given how vital Fried is to the Yankees’ World Series hopes in 2025, the decision to give him rest instead of having him pitch in the midsummer classic makes sense.
What Does Fried’s Absence Mean for the All-Star Game?
As MLB insider Bob Nightengale notes, Fried’s absence assures that Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will receive his first All-Star Game start. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner is a triple crown candidate, ranking in the top three in wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
Tarik Skubal ROARS after his 10th K pic.twitter.com/iANAAKHeYA
— MLB (@MLB) July 6, 2025
Meanwhile, the All-Star nod for Rodón marks a significant milestone in his career. He has now been honored while representing three organizations: the Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, and the Yankees. Rodon is 9-6 with a 3.30 ERA in 2025 and ranks in the league’s top 10 with 127 strikeouts.
How Has Carlos Rodón Redeemed Himself in New York?
The Yankees envisioned Rodón becoming an All-Star when they signed him to a six-year, $162 million contract in 2023. However, the path to this moment hasn’t been smooth. Rodón has sometimes shown dominance throughout his career, but has also battled injuries and inconsistency. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and has missed time due to wrist, forearm, and shoulder injuries.
Many Yankees fans called Rodón a bust after he went 3-8 with a 6.85 ERA in his first season with the team. However, he rebounded to win 16 games in 2024 and has been even better in 2025. Rodón’s strikeout rate is the highest since joining the team, and he’s locating his slider much better this year.
Rodón’s slider has improved dramatically. The pitch had a -2 run value in 2024 but is currently graded at +9 this year. Opposing batters are hitting just .124 against it in 2025, making it one of his most effective weapons.
Carlos Rodón, Vicious 88mph Slider. pic.twitter.com/WTjGqDrXDy
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 19, 2025
As the Yankees prepare to defend the AL pennant this fall, they’ll need Rodón to avoid a second-half slump and continue his strong performance. The All-Star selection validates his turnaround and provides momentum heading into the season’s final stretch.
