The New York Yankees boast one of the best rotations in all of baseball.
Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, leads the rotation. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon follow, both were big free agent signings in recent years.
Add in homegrown talent of Clarke Schmidt and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil and it is hard to argue many other rotations would be superior to New York’s.
New York Yankees SP Marcus Stroman
That leaves Marcus Stroman as the odd-man out. When asked about moving to the bullpen by reporters, Stroman made his feelings known swiftly. Stroman replied, “I’m a starter. I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter.”
Marcus Stroman was asked about the possibility of moving to the bullpen:
“I’m a starter. I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter” pic.twitter.com/M0N1kJGza2
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 14, 2025
The former first round pick has been one of most durable pitchers since debuting in 2014, having the 17th most innings pitched in that time frame. Stroman was quick to bring that up to reporters as why he should stick in the rotation.
“Go look at the numbers. How many people can stay healthy and do it 30+ starts year after year.” Stroman told reporters. “Especially after being one that they said could never do it at my size. I’m a starter.”
Marcus Stroman pushed back when asked if his “I’m a starter” statement is a message to Brian Cashman
“That’s me making the most basic, brief statement. Go look at the numbers. How many people can stay healthy and do it 30+ starts year after year. I’m a starter” pic.twitter.com/v7fYANMU4d
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 14, 2025
Stroman has one year remaining on the two year deal he inked with New York last offseason; what is interesting is Stroman has a vesting option for 2026 if he pitches 140 innings in 2025.
With roughly one month until the season starts, it seems likely that the Yankees will entertain trading Stroman. The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty reported that the team “prefer to trade starting pitcher Marcus Stroman and a portion of the $18 million he’s owed this season.”