Stroman missing from Yankees camp amid ‘awkward situation’
Marcus Stroman was notably absent from New York’s first day of camp. However, manager Aaron Boone wasn’t too worried about missing the right-hander on Thursday.
The New York Yankees made very little effort to keep it a secret that Marcus Stroman was on the trade block in the off-season.
But without a deal in place as teams across baseball report for spring training, Stroman doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to join his fellow Yankees pitchers and catchers in Tampa, Fla.
The 33-year-old was notably absent from New York’s first day of camp on Thursday. However, manager Aaron Boone wasn’t too worried about missing the right-hander.
“I had an idea. When we talked, I knew he might be out the first couple days,” Boone told reporters. “But nothing changed about how I feel, like, where he’s at mentally, physically. I certainly get how it all looks with the noise around it this winter, but the reality is this is something that is under the CBA.”
Under MLB’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Stroman would have to report to the Yankees by Feb. 22 at the latest, but according to the New York Post‘s Joel Sherman, it is expected that the 10-year veteran will report before Monday’s first full-squad workout.
“I’ve even had communication with him — last night, this morning — that he is ready to go,” Boone said. “Hopefully, he’ll be here in the next couple days.”
Sherman reported that Stroman did complete his spring training physical with the Yankees earlier this week.
Stroman signed a two-year, $37-million contract in the Bronx last off-season, and posted a 4.31 ERA over 154.2 innings during the regular season. It was a significant drop-off from his 2023, which saw him deliver a 3.95 ERA and make his second career All-Star team with the Chicago Cubs.
His performance also saw him left off the Yankees post-season roster for the ALDS. They did add Stroman back for the ALCS and World Series, but never called his number to take the mound in the playoffs.
So, with the Yankees landing Max Fried on an eight-year mega-deal this winter, there seemed to be writing on the wall for Stroman’s time in New York’s rotation.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote Tuesday that the Yankees have “been trying for months to move Stroman,” but they’ve been unable to find any takers due to the $18 million he’s owed in 2025. Another wrinkle in finding a deal for Stroman is that he has a $18-million player option for 2026 that he can exercise, should he throw 140 innings this season.
“Obviously, I want all our players here,” Boone later added. “It’s a prideful player that’s had a great career, where it’s a little bit of an awkward situation. So, of course, I want him here. Trying to nudge him to get here, but again, you also have to respect the fact that this is something that players are allowed to do.”
