The New York Yankees have reached an agreement with right-hander Marcus Stroman on a two-year, $37 million contract. This signing aims to add depth and stability to the Yankees’ rotation, which already features reigning American League Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.
Stroman, a two-time All-Star, had an impressive first half of the 2023 season with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.96 ERA. However, his performance was hampered by hip and rib injuries in the second half, resulting in a season-long ERA of 3.95. Despite this setback, the Yankees see Stroman as a valuable asset to their pitching staff.
The Yankees’ rotation has been plagued by inconsistency, with left-hander Carlos Rodon struggling in his first season after signing a six-year, $162 million deal. The addition of Stroman is expected to provide stability and reinforce the team’s starting pitching. Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt are slated to round out the rotation, despite their average performances in the past season.
Stroman’s contract includes a vesting player option. If he reaches 140 innings in the 2025 season, a third-year option worth $18 million will be activated. While Stroman fell slightly short of this threshold in the previous two seasons, he has exceeded 140 innings four times before, highlighting his durability and potential value to the Yankees.
Stroman, a nine-year veteran, will be joining his fourth team in six seasons. He began his career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014, followed by a stint with the New York Mets from 2019 to 2021, and most recently with the Chicago Cubs. Stroman’s experience and adaptability make him a valuable addition to any pitching staff.
Known for his effective sinker, Stroman boasts the second-highest ground ball rate (56.7%) among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings since his debut in 2014. This ability to induce ground balls bodes well for the Yankees’ defense, as it limits opponents’ opportunities to hit home runs.
Growing up on Long Island, Stroman’s return to the New York area is a homecoming of sorts. The 30-year-old pitcher has a career record of 77-76 with a 3.65 ERA. His success as a high school player on Long Island caught the attention of the Toronto Blue Jays, who selected him in the first round of the 2012 draft.
The Yankees’ acquisition of Marcus Stroman brings a seasoned and accomplished pitcher to their rotation. Stroman’s track record as a two-time All-Star, his ability to induce ground balls, and his roots in the New York area make him a fitting addition to the team. With him alongside Gerrit Cole, the Yankees can expect a formidable and reliable starting rotation for the upcoming seasons.
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