Max Fried Has Elbow Surgery, Yankees Expect Spring Training Return
Yankees starter Max Fried had a bone spur removed from his pitching elbow and is expected to be ready for 2027 spring training.
World Baseball News Editorial Team , 1 min read 
New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow, but the club expects the three-time All-Star to be ready for the start of 2027 spring training.
General manager Brian Cashman disclosed the procedure Tuesday, November 10, during the MLB general managers meetings in Las Vegas. Fried will rest and rehab for six weeks before beginning his normal offseason throwing program in the second week of December.
- Procedure: Bone spur removed from Fried’s pitching elbow
- Recovery outlook: Expected to be ready for spring training
- 2026 season: 5-5, 2.80 ERA in 20 starts
- Workload: 112 2/3 innings
Fried’s elbow interrupted an otherwise strong season
Fried’s second season with the Yankees was interrupted twice by discomfort in his left elbow. The club described the injuries as a bone bruise or contusion when he went on the injured list in May and again in August.
When available, Fried remained one of New York’s most reliable starters. He completed 112 2/3 innings and allowed 35 earned runs, finishing with a 2.80 ERA despite being limited to 20 starts. The left-hander will turn 33 in January and is entering the third season of the eight-year, $218 million contract he signed with the Yankees before the 2025 campaign.
The operation addresses a clear physical issue before Fried begins his winter build-up. New York’s timetable leaves little margin for a setback, but the expected December restart gives him more than two months to progress before pitchers and catchers report.
Yankees also receive positive Aaron Judge update
Cashman also said Aaron Judge is in a good place after a follow-up examination of the right rib fracture that limited the Yankees captain for much of 2026. Judge appeared in only 66 games and later dealt with a right calf strain in September.
The Yankees do not expect Judge to require another procedure. He will continue to rest during the winter, with the club anticipating that both Judge and Fried will be available when preparations for the 2027 season begin.
