Even though Marcus Stroman had until next week to report to Yankees Spring Training, his absence was a notable one given his teammated has already come to camp and past trade rumors. The 33-year-old officially reported on February 14 and was adamant that he would not be pitching out of the bullpen.
Marcus Stroman officially reported to Yankees camp on the 14th, after the rest of the team started working out in Florida. Stroman reported for his physical earlier in the week but did not participate in activites.
The right-hander’s name had circulated in trade rumors throughout the offseason. The Yankees made one notable starter substraction, as the team moved out lefty Nestor Cortes to get Devin Williams.
Trading Stroman would have not only provided financial relief to a team projected to go past the luxury tax threshold — the Yankees are at around $293MM in tax commitments, per Spotrac — but also would have assured him a rotation spot somewhere else.
However, Stroman has $18MM committed to him for 2025, plus a vesting $18MM player option for 2026. Stroman has to hit 140 innings this year for it to vest.
Stroman, however, is adamant that he’ll be in the Yankees rotation this year — not in the bullpen. “I’m a starter. I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter,” Stroman told reporters on February 14.
It’s possible that Stroman could be in the rotation come Opening Day, despite it being currently full at the moment. The Yankees’ tentative starting five includes Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Carlos Rodon. Fried was the team’s marquee acquisition this past winter.
However, injuries can always happen.
The 33-year-old’s first season in The Bronx wasn’t smooth. His K% was down four percent compared to 2023 and Stroman’s 1.47 WHIP was the worst of his 10-year career. One could argue Stroman got “BABIP’d,” as his .318 BABIP was the second-worst of his career.
Stroman is a ground-ball pitcher who relies heavily on limiting hard contact. He did that in 2024. However, the Yankees’ fielding was somewhat under the gun in 2024. And, Stroman had a noted outburst with ex-teammate Gleyber Torres in late June of last year over a blown double-play attempt.
Before coming to New York, Stroman enjoyed two successful seasons with the Cubs. During the 2023 campaign, Stroman had defensive standouts Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson playing behind him.
Yankees Spring Training games begin on February 21.