In a significant move for Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees have inked a two-year contract with right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman, a deal reportedly worth $37 million through 2025.
A two-time All-Star and Long Island-native, Stroman brings a career 3.65 ERA and a 116 ERA+ to the Yankees’ rotation, adding muscle to a lineup that includes ace Gerrit Cole.
Yankees’ Roster Revamp
In order to accommodate Stroman, the Yankees designated outfielder Oscar Gonzalez for assignment. This step follows a series of roster changes, including the signing of Luke Weaver last week and a trade that brought Juan Soto and Trent Grisham onboard. However, the Yankees missed out on Japanese free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto, highlighting the competitive nature of the current player market.
Stroman’s path to the Yankees has been a storied one. Initially drafted by the Washington Nationals, he chose to hone his skills at Duke University before being picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft. Stints with the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs followed, with Stroman posting a 10-9 record and a 3.95 ERA in his 2023 season with the Cubs.
Coming to the Yankees, Stroman is expected to slot into the middle of the rotation, with his six-pitch arsenal and a powerful sinker that has led to the second-lowest HR/9 rate among pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched. The Yankees will be banking on Stroman to replicate his first-half performance that saw him named to his second All-Star team.
Looking Ahead
Stroman’s signing represents a blending of past rivalries and future expectations. Once at odds with the Yankees, he now dons the pinstripes and looks forward to energizing the Yankee Stadium with his performances. His signing is a testament to the Yankees’ commitment to strengthening their pitching depth and is a key highlight in a series of MLB transactions.
