Stroman Loved Being A Yankee, But That Ain't Enough

The New York Yankees are rolling into 2025 with some big decisions on their plate. And we’re not talking about whether to bring back the garlic fries vendor in Section 213. Nope, it’s roster-trimming time, and one name that’s sitting in the “maybe it’s time to pack your bags” column is none other than Marcus Stroman. Let’s just say he’s been more of a “serviceable sidekick” than the hero Yankee fans were hoping for. And in this city, we don’t exactly throw ticker-tape parades for decent.

Sure, Stroman played the part of a good teammate—gave the obligatory high-fives, didn’t cause a clubhouse mutiny—but if we’re being honest, he didn’t exactly make the Yankee Stadium radar guns sweat. And if you’re not making fans sit up and whisper “This is our guy” during a seventh-inning jam, you might be on thin ice in the Bronx.

As for his postseason contributions? Oh, you’re cute. While Stroman’s regular-season numbers were nothing to post on the fridge, the Yankees chose to keep him off the playoff mound. It’s the kind of benching that screams, “We’re good, thanks.” Translation: the front office wasn’t exactly expecting Stroman to unleash a Cy Young-worthy performance under the October lights.

But here’s where things get spicy: that $18.3 million he’s slated to pocket in 2025. A pretty penny for a pitcher whose starts make Yankees fans collectively groan like they’ve just discovered the hot dog stand ran out of mustard. Trading him could open up some serious financial breathing room—and maybe even some real breathing room for fans during tight games.

So let’s glance at the stats from his 2024 campaign. Stroman wrapped up the year with a 10-8 record, a 4.07 ERA, and a WHIP that says, “Yeah, you might want to grab another beer” at 1.43. His K/9? A decidedly unthreatening 6.7. Post-All-Star break? Yikes. He went 3-4 with a bloated 5.40 ERA in nine starts. In the first half, he wasn’t exactly prime Sandy Koufax either, with a 7-4 record and a 3.51 ERA.

Now, here’s the kicker—Stroman’s 2025 contract isn’t just a balloon: it’s a full-blown Macy’s float. If he logs over 140 innings, his 2026 vesting option turns into a player option, meaning the Yankees could be on the hook for another year.

Let’s talk trends, shall we? His velocity dipped from a respectable 92.2 mph to a far less reassuring 90.6 mph. His strikeout rate hit a career-low 6.58 K/9—cue the Little League comparisons—and his walk rate ticked up to 3.49 BB/9. And the cherry on this worrying sundae? His famed ground ball rate took an 8% nosedive, like someone greased the ball with butter.

So, what’s the plan, Yankees? A Stroman trade, even if it needs a bit of sweetener (maybe a case of those fancy pinstriped baseballs?), could be the ticket. Redirect those funds to a pitcher who doesn’t make you cover your eyes during a fifth-inning jam or just figure out a way to give it to Juan Soto.