Yankees’ Marcus Stroman Faces Uncertain Future After Underwhelming 2024 Campaign
The New York Yankees’ acquisition of ace Max Fried last Tuesday night has cast further doubt on Marcus Stroman’s future in pinstripes. The 33-year-old right-hander, owed $18.5 million annually over the next two seasons due to a vesting option, appears likely to find himself on the trade block this offseason.
Stroman, who earned the Opening Day start for the Yankees in April, experienced a rollercoaster 2024 season. While he provided stability early on, his performance dipped significantly in the second half, culminating in a 5.98 ERA over his final 10 starts. By season’s end, Stroman was relegated to a background role, left out of the Yankees’ playoff rotation despite soaking up 154 2/3 innings and striking out 113 batters during the regular season.
The veteran pitcher addressed his uncertain future in a series of tweets earlier this week, taking a grounded and philosophical approach. After congratulating former teammate Juan Soto in response to a fan’s profanity-laden comment, another fan pointed out Stroman’s likely departure from the Yankees. Stroman’s response was reflective and optimistic:
“Is that supposed to upset me? Lmao I’m 33 and have accomplished more than I could imagine. I’m good with wherever life takes me at this point. The unknown excites me. Being able to take care of my entire family daily is a blessing that I could only dream of. It’s now a reality!”
Despite his struggles, Stroman remains a respected veteran who could offer value as an innings-eater for teams seeking rotation depth. However, his contract may prove a hurdle for potential suitors.
For the Yankees, Stroman’s diminished role and Fried’s arrival make a trade seem inevitable. While no ill will exists between the player and the team, the business of baseball often dictates difficult decisions. Whether Stroman starts the 2025 season in New York or elsewhere, his steady presence and leadership will undoubtedly make him a notable addition to any clubhouse.
