Yankees Rumors: Marcus Stroman 'Taking a Few Days to Himself' Before Arriving to Camp

After a rough first season with the New York Yankees and being the subject of trade rumors throughout the winter, Marcus Stroman has not participated in the first two days of on-field workouts at spring training.

Per The Athletic's Chris Kirschner, Stroman is "taking a few days to himself" with the expectation he will be with the team for their first full squad workout on Monday.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed Stroman's absence, noting he "had an idea" the veteran right-hander would be away for a short period of time when the two spoke on Tuesday.

Kirschner noted Stroman did take part in his team physical at the spring training facility this week.

Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the Yankees as a free agent in January 2024. The deal also includes a conditional player option for 2026 that vests at $18 million if he throws at least 140 innings this season.

The hope was that Stroman would provide a quality mid-rotation starter for the Yankees behind Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón. Things did not go according to plan with Stroman posting his highest ERA (4.31) since 2018.

Stroman did rank third among Yankees pitchers with 154.2 innings and tied for third with 29 starts. The Yankees left Stroman off the roster for their ALDS matchup with the Kansas City Royals, but he was added back on for the ALCS.

It was really just the second half of the season that doomed Stroman's 2024. He was an effective starter prior to the All-Star break with a 3.51 ERA in 19 starts, compared to a 5.98 ERA after the break.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported in January that there was "an assumption among other teams" that the Yankees want to trade Stroman, but they would likely have to eat some of his salary to facilitate a move.

Stroman is owed $18.3 million in 2025. It's unclear if he's going to open the season in the Yankees' starting rotation. They signed Max Fried as a free agent to partner with Cole and Rodón.

Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt are likely the top candidates for the final two spots in the starting five. Stroman has pitched a majority of his 261 games in the big leagues as a starter, but he has nine relief appearances in 10 seasons.