Former All-Star pitcher Marcus Stroman is not backing down from his standoff with the New York Yankees, even after returning to spring training.
Stroman returned to Yankee camp on Friday and spoke to the media after skipping two days of workouts amid speculation about his future with the team. The pitcher asserted to media members that he is unquestionably a starting pitcher. He denied that it was an attempt to send a message to general manager Brian Cashman, but doubled down by outlining his resume.
“I’m a starter. That’s me making the most basic, brief statement,” Stroman said. “I’m a starter my entire career. Go look at the numbers. How many people can stay healthy and do it 30-plus starts year after year after year, especially after being the one that they said could never do it at my size? I’m a starter.”
Stroman’s problem is that even if the Yankees agree with him, they do not really have a spot for him right now. Gerrit Cole and free agent addition Max Fried are guaranteed rotation spots, as are Carlos Rodon and reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil. With Clarke Schmidt penciled in as the fifth starter, there is no rotation spot for Stroman unless someone gets hurt.
The Yankees have been trying to trade Stroman, but his $18.3 million salary has hindered those efforts. It also does not help that he is coming off an underwhelming first season in New York that saw him post a 4.31 ERA while striking out just 113 batters in 154.2 innings.
Stroman turns 34 in March. He boasts a 3.72 career ERA, but there are age and durability concerns, as 2024 marked his first season with 150 innings pitched since 2021.
