TAMPA — New York Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman reported to camp Friday after missing the team’s first two days of workouts, insisting he is ready to make 30-plus starts and will not pitch out of the bullpen. The problem: Stroman isn’t projected to make the Yankees’ starting rotation.
“I won’t pitch in the bullpen,” Stroman said. “I’m a starter.”
It’s been a turbulent offseason for Stroman. Personally, Stroman said he lost his home in Malibu in last month’s wildfires in Southern California. Professionally, he’s been included in constant trade rumors with the Yankees looking to move their sixth starter’s $18.5 million salary a year after signing him.
Stroman reported to camp Tuesday for his physical but chose not to show up the next two days for workouts. Though every other pitcher and catcher reported as expected Wednesday and Thursday, players are not obligated to report for spring training until Feb. 22, per the Major League Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement.
“At this stage in my career, I put a priority on getting my body ready,” said Stroman, who turns 34 in May. “I don’t think there was a need for me to be here the last few days, given the climate.”
So, why did Stroman show up Friday?
“Just felt like today was a good day to come,” Stroman said. “Valentine’s Day, I felt like the vibes were going to be proper.”
Stroman, who is entering his 11th major league season, signed a two-year contract with a conditional third year player option worth $37 million guaranteed. Stroman can opt into an $18 million salary next season if he pitches at least 140 innings this season.
Stroman surpassed that threshold last season, logging 154 ⅔ innings in his first season with the Yankees. He compiled a 4.31 ERA across 30 games (29 starts) during the regular season. As it was in 2024, when he was an All-Star for the Chicago Cubs, it was a tale of two halves for Stroman: he posted a 3.51 ERA in 19 starts before the All-Star break and a 5.98 ERA in 10 starts and a relief appearance in the second half. Stroman also struggled at Yankee Stadium, tallying a 5.31 ERA in 16 home starts compared to a 3.09 ERA on the road.
Stroman didn’t pitch in the playoffs during the Yankees’ run to the World Series. He said not pitching in October did not bother him.
“I know I can compete at any level, with any team,” Stroman said. “If I’m here, if I’m not here, my body’s ready to roll. I’m ready to go out there and give 30-plus starts.”
