Abdelrahman
February 14: Marcus Stroman reported to spring training camp today, and both he and Manager Aaron Boone addressed the media regarding the right-hander’s arrival (all subsequent video links courtesy of SNY). When asked about the possibility of transitioning to a bullpen role, Stroman firmly emphasized, “I’m a starter.” And when questioned if this statement was directed at General Manager Brian Cashman, he clarified that it was simply an affirmation of his history and the preparations he has made to pitch every fifth day.
Stroman and Boone both emphasized that it’s premature to make assumptions about the overall health of the pitching rotation this early in camp. Boone even joked, “Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s February 14. You’re getting way ahead of this. We’re focused on getting him ready to start. There’s plenty of time to address needs as they come up, but for now, our priority is building him up.”
Boone also expressed that while he doesn’t foresee the Yankees adopting a six-man rotation, he isn’t completely dismissing the idea. He mentioned that there are 10 to 11 pitchers gearing up as potential starters this spring, adding, “Who knows how many of them we might need to rely on right away?”
February 13: The recent acquisition of Max Fried has effectively pushed Marcus Stroman to the seventh spot in the Yankees’ rotation. Even after trading Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee as part of the deal for closer Devin Williams, Stroman still ranks sixth in the team’s starting depth chart. The organization has been actively seeking a trade this offseason, but with little success. Stroman is set to earn $18.5 million this season and could trigger an $18.5 million player option for 2026 if he pitches 140 innings in 2025.
While the trade discussions surrounding Stroman have generated significant buzz this winter, the opening of spring camps adds an extra layer of intrigue. Stroman has missed the last two days of workouts; however, SNY’s Andy Martino reports that the 33-year-old completed his physical for the team. According to Martino, Stroman isn’t holding out but rather taking a few extra days off, which is allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
Manager Aaron Boone downplayed any concerns regarding Stroman’s absence, stating he had a “very good” discussion with the right-hander and feels he is in a positive place physically and mentally (video links via SNY). Importantly, Stroman’s absence does not breach any mandatory dates; while pitchers and catchers have begun reporting, the CBA specifies that February 22 is the official report date. Early workouts this week have been classified as optional and voluntary. Boone addressed if he found Stroman’s absence disappointing.
“Of course, I want all our players present,” Boone said. “However, I’m quite comfortable with where he stands physically and mentally. He’s a committed player with a successful track record. This situation is a bit unusual, but naturally, I desire for him to be here. I’m nudging him to join us, but we must also respect players’ rights within the guidelines of the agreement.”
There’s a possibility that Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman could identify a trade partner in the near future, although it’s more likely that Stroman will simply report to camp and start his typical spring training regimen. As the camp continues, injuries within the Yankees or potential trade partners could affect Stroman’s status. Were it not for the ongoing trade considerations and recent player acquisitions impacting his position, his absence during early workouts wouldn’t attract as much attention.
Stroman signed a two-year contract worth $37 million with the Yankees last year, kicking off his tenure with an impressive 2.60 ERA across his first twelve starts. However, he experienced a downturn in performance during June, and while he did have some strong outings later in the season, his overall ERA from June 1 onward settled at 5.70. He concluded the season with a 4.31 ERA over 154 2/3 innings. Most of the damage against Stroman came at home and from left-handed batters. He limited right-handed hitters to a .260/.327/.391 line, posting a much stronger 3.09 ERA in away games. In contrast, lefties hit .296/.372/.474 against him, and he finished the year with a 5.31 ERA at Yankee Stadium, allowing 15 of his 19 home runs at home.
