Former All-Star pitcher Marcus Stroman sends clear message about his role with Yankees

Former All-Star pitcher Marcus Stroman is standing firm in his standoff with the New York Yankees, even after reporting back to spring training.

Stroman returned to Yankees camp on Friday and addressed the media after missing two days of workouts amid speculation about his future with the team. He made it clear that he sees himself as a starting pitcher, insisting that his absence was not meant as a message to general manager Brian Cashman. However, he reinforced his stance by pointing to his track record.

“I’m a starter. That’s the most simple, straightforward statement I can make,” Stroman said. “I’ve been a starter my whole career. Just look at the numbers. How many guys stay healthy and make 30-plus starts year after year, especially when people doubted they could do it at my size? I’m a starter.”

The challenge for Stroman is that, even if the Yankees agree, there isn’t a clear rotation spot available for him. Gerrit Cole and newly signed Max Fried are locked in, along with Carlos Rodon and reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil. With Clarke Schmidt expected to be the fifth starter, Stroman is left without a role unless an injury opens up a spot.

New York has explored trading Stroman, but his $18.3 million salary has made that difficult. His trade value is further complicated by a disappointing first season with the Yankees, where he posted a 4.31 ERA with 113 strikeouts over 154.2 innings.

Stroman, who turns 34 in March, has a career ERA of 3.72, but concerns over his age and durability remain. The 2024 season was the first time he reached 150 innings since 2021.