The New York Yankees have reportedly reached an agreement with free agent right-hander Marcus Stroman on a two-year, $37 million deal with an option for a third season, according to a source who spoke with MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Stroman also took to Instagram to share a photo of himself wearing a Yankees uniform, further sparking excitement among fans.
However, the club has not officially confirmed the agreement, as it is still pending the results of medical examinations.
Stroman has had his sights set on playing for the Yankees for some time. In 2019, the team expressed interest in acquiring him before the trade deadline, while he was still with the Toronto Blue Jays. A New York native, Stroman has made no secret of his desire to play for the Yankees, once saying, “I’m from New York and I’m a New York boy. That says it all in itself.”
Stroman has delivered consistent performance as a starter since his debut in 2014, with an ERA+ that has not dipped below 113 in the last four seasons. His 2023 season began as a particularly strong one, with a 2.28 ERA and .536 opponents’ OPS in his first 16 starts, leading to his second All-Star Game appearance.
However, Stroman’s 2023 campaign took a hit in July when he allowed 27 earned runs in 26.2 innings, and he later spent time on the injured list due to a right hip injury and fractured rib. This resulted in a 3.95 ERA for the season, the second-highest of his career.
Despite the recent injury setbacks, Stroman had been known for his durability, surpassing 180 innings three times in the span of four seasons between 2016 and 2019, and surpassing 200 innings in 2016 and 2017. He even earned a Gold Glove award and finished in the top 10 in American League Cy Young Award voting in 2017.
After being traded from the Blue Jays to the New York Mets in 2019, Stroman faced further challenges, missing the entire 2020 season due to a torn left calf muscle and opting out of play due to COVID-19 concerns in August.
Known for his ability to induce ground balls, Stroman has consistently relied on his sinker to limit damaging contact, with a ground ball rate that has never fallen below 50%. In 2023, his ground ball rate stood at 57%, the best since 2018.
If the deal is finalized, Stroman would add depth to the Yankees’ rotation and provide a veteran presence on the mound. addTargeting His experience nearly 400 innings over the past three years. With his ability to pitch in high-pressure situations, Stroman would be a valuable addition to the Yankees lineup.