Right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman of the New York Yankees raised eyebrows as he reported to the team’s Tampa facility for spring training but chose not to join in the initial workouts over the first two days. Although Stroman completed his physical assessment, he refrained from participating in team practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. This decision did not catch Manager Aaron Boone off guard, as he had been in contact with Stroman throughout the week. While Boone refrained from specifying the reason behind Stroman’s absence, speculations circulated earlier in the offseason indicating the Yankees’ potential interest in trading him.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, Boone steered clear of speaking on behalf of Stroman, stating, “I’m not going to speak for him. You can ask him for the reasons. I want him here, obviously, but we also have to respect the rules that are set up.” Boone anticipated that Stroman would commence training in accordance with Major League Baseball’s mandatory reporting date of February 22, with the team’s pitchers and catchers having already reported to the facility the previous Tuesday.
Recognizing Stroman as a player of integrity, Boone expressed understanding of the awkward situation, remarking, “He’s a prideful player. He’s a guy that’s had a great career where it’s a little bit of an awkward situation, obviously. So of course I want him here, and I’m trying to keep nudging him to get here. But, again, you also have to respect the fact that this is something players are allowed to do. There’s a mandatory date, and he’s choosing that right now.”
Stroman, aged 33, inked a deal with the Yankees prior to the 2024 season, delivering 29 starts in 30 regular-season outings, culminating in a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA, 113 strikeouts, and 60 walks across 154 2/3 innings. Despite not being called upon to pitch in the playoffs, where the Yankees advanced to the World Series only to be bested by the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, Stroman remains a valuable asset on the team.
With the recent addition of free agent lefty Max Fried, the Yankees’ 2025 starting rotation seems to boast Gerrit Cole and Fried at the forefront, followed by Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and last year’s American League Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil. In a strategic move, the Yankees traded Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee this offseason in exchange for closer Devin Williams.
Stroman, positioned as a potential sixth starter, was noted by Boone in an earlier interview with NJ.com as possibly being “the most important starting pitcher for us this year.” With a career record of 87-85, including two saves and two shutouts, Stroman has amassed a 3.72 ERA and 1,204 strikeouts across
