In a bold move, the New York Yankees secured a two-year, $37 million deal with Marcus Stroman, an elite pitcher with an impressive track record dating back to his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014. The Yankees, well-acquainted with Stroman from facing him 17 times in divisional matchups, seized the opportunity to bring the two-time All-Star to the Bronx.
Stroman, who briefly experienced New York baseball when traded to the Mets in 2019, ventured to another major city by signing a two-year, $71 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2021. Despite encountering early success in the 2023 season and being considered a National League Cy Young frontrunner, injuries and struggles down the stretch impacted his performance.
With a career ERA of 3.65 and an ERA+ of 116 over 231 appearances and 223 starts, the Yankees are betting on Stroman’s potential. His former high school coach, Tony Frascogna, sees the signing as a significant coup, noting Stroman’s desire to excel when the spotlight is brightest.
“He wants to be the best when the most people are watching,” Frascogna told Brendan Kuty of The Athletic.
As Stroman takes the mound for the Yankees, the pressure will be immense, especially for a team looking to rebound from a challenging 2023 season. With the acquisition of Juan Soto earlier in the winter, the Yankees are banking on Stroman to be a linchpin in their quest for success.
While the starting rotation, aside from AL Cy Young award winner Gerrit Cole, left much to be desired, Stroman’s addition is expected to address those concerns. Despite facing challenges with consistency throughout his career, displaying elite performances interspersed with challenging stretches, the Yankees are optimistic about his impact.
Stroman’s former coach dismisses concerns about handling the New York spotlight, citing his ability to turn negatives into positives—a crucial skill in a city that demands resilience and adaptability.
The Yankees are eager to witness which version of Stroman emerges, hoping for the top-of-the-rotation dominance he showcased for the majority of his career. If he delivers, this signing could prove to be a steal for the Yankees in their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.