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As the New York Yankees kick off their spring training, pitcher Marcus Stroman made his position clear, igniting some discussion among fans and analysts alike. The 33-year-old right-hander arrived at the team's Tampa facility on Friday after missing the first two days of workouts, which were not mandatory. Manager Aaron Boone had been aware of Stroman's absence, and players are not required to report until February 22.
Marcus Stroman declares his role in Yankees' rotation
Upon his arrival, Stroman immediately addressed the media and made one thing abundantly clear: he considers himself a starting pitcher and has no intention of working out of the bullpen.
I’m a starter, Stroman told reporters firmly. I won’t pitch in the bullpen.
His assertion was a repeated theme in his comments, emphasizing that his role on the team is one as a regular member of the starting rotation.
However, with spring training now underway, Stroman appears to be on the outside looking in regarding the Yankees’ projected five-man rotation. This group currently includes ace Gerrit Cole, free-agent acquisition Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. Stroman’s future role in this mix remains uncertain.
Aaron Boone's outlook on Yankees' rotation
Yankees' manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the team’s current surplus of starting pitchers but ruled out the idea of a six-man rotation.
Never say never, Boone commented, according to ESPN. I don’t necessarily see us doing that, but we’ll see where we’re at. Again, that's a long way away.
With so many pitchers eyeing for a starting spot, there are ongoing rumors that the Yankees may explore trading Stroman, particularly after unsuccessful trade talks in the offseason. His $18.3 million salary for 2025 and a vesting option for the same amount in 2026, contingent on him pitching 140 innings this season, have complicated potential trade negotiations.
Marcus Stroman faces personal and professional challenges
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding his role with the Yankees, Stroman has faced personal difficulties recently. He revealed that he lost his home in Malibu during the devastating wildfires in Southern California this past January. Despite this setback, Stroman is focused on preparing for the season as a starter.
While Stroman’s future with the Yankees remains up in the air, he insists that his relationships within the clubhouse are solid.
Everyone in that clubhouse, I have nothing but love for, and they all know that, Stroman said. We all have a great relationship in there, from the staff and the employees all the way down. You can freely go ask anybody. I love everybody in that clubhouse. This is part of the business. It has nothing to do with my love for anybody in there.
Stroman’s performance in 2024 was solid, with 30 appearances (29 starts), a 10-9 record, a 4.31 ERA, and 113 strikeouts in 154 2/3 innings. Despite not pitching during the Yankees’ postseason run to the World Series, Stroman was part of the playoff roster. His strikeout rate of 6.6 per nine innings marked the second-lowest of his career, which could be a point of concern heading into 2025.
With the six weeks of spring training ahead, the Yankees have time to finalize their pitching plans, but Stroman’s role remains uncertain. As he prepares for a starting workload, it’s clear that the veteran pitcher is committed to proving his value as a key starter, whether with the Yankees or elsewhere.
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