“Marcus Stroman’s stance has shifted. After the initial drama surrounding his arrival at Yankees spring training and his firm rejection of a bullpen role, he is now focusing less on his role and more on his ultimate goal.
‘Competing?’ Stroman said. ‘I don’t think I’m competing … at all. No.’
Following a live batting practice session, Stroman told reporters that his primary focus is durability, not results. ‘I’m trying to throw 200 innings,’ he said. ‘This is a building period. You have to do everything possible to get your body ready. These games and numbers don’t matter. I want to be someone who can go out there and give 30-plus starts.’
His message contrasts with his previous media session, where he emphasized ‘I am a starter’ 11 times in 10 minutes. This time, he repeatedly insisted he is not competing for a rotation spot. And he might be right.
Instead of solidifying his place in the Yankees’ rotation, Stroman may be showcasing himself for another team. It’s no secret that the Yankees would prefer to trade him. After acquiring Max Fried this offseason, Stroman has fallen to sixth in the starting rotation depth chart.
The team explored trade options over the winter but found no takers. Now, they are waiting to see if spring training injuries create potential trade partners, hoping to offload his $18.5 million salary for 2025 and avoid his $18.5 million vesting option for 2026.
Stroman joined the Yankees on a two-year, $37 million deal last offseason but was pushed out of the rotation in September after a rough second half. He did not pitch in the postseason.
In 2024, the 33-year-old made 30 appearances (29 starts), finishing with a 9-10 record and a 4.31 ERA—his highest since 2018 with Toronto. While he posted a strong 3.31 ERA in the first half, his performance dipped in his final 11 outings, surrendering 33 earned runs over 49 2/3 innings.
Reaching his goal of 200 innings would mark the first time since 2017 he has hit that milestone. He previously surpassed that threshold in both 2016 and 2017. More importantly, it would also ensure he exceeds the 140-inning mark needed to activate his $18.5 million option for 2026.”
