TAMPA, Fla. — After two days of absence, Marcus Stroman arrived at Yankee Camp Friday morning, repeatedly declaring his intended role in 2025.
“I’m a starter. I’m not pitching the bullpen,” Stroman said. “I’m a starter.”
Currently, Stroman is the sixth man in the rotation of five Yankees, as he collectively negotiated to not report on the first day of his teamworkout – he chose.
Stroman may have been away until February 22nd, but even in his 48-hour absence, he sends messages about his status to management.
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“No, not at all,” Stroman said.
Twice in the last two days, Yankees manager Aaron Boone called Stroman’s situation “a little troubling,” but claimed his rights under the CBA.
“My body is a priority. Given the climate, I don’t think I need to be here for the last few days,” Stroman said.
The right-hander did not clearly identify the climate, but the mathematics are clear. There’s no calculation to put Stroman in Boone’s rotation unless the Yankees lose their injured starter.
Boone said Friday he wasn’t going to use a six-person rotation, but he wouldn’t rule that out entirely.
“I’m happy he’s here,” Boone said. “As I’m arguing, he’s in a really good mental framework. And I think he’s physically and mentally ready to go.”
Until now, the inability for the Yankees to find a suitable trade for Stromant has created a headache for this early spring training.
Stroman’s contract is considered an obstacle. He’s $18 million this season, and if he reaches 140 innings in 2025, he’ll make $18 million next year.
It almost certainly requires the Yankees to absorb that potential 2026 salary chunk into the contract.
“If I’m here, if I’m not here, I’m ready to roll,” Stroman said. Live batter.
“I’m incredible shape. My arms feel good,” said Stroman, 33.
Last month, Stroman said he lost his home in Malibu due to the fire that destroyed Southern California and spent time supporting those affected communities.
“I’m really focused today,” Stroman said, so an idea of what would happen if he was still a yankee for six weeks and the rotation vacancy wasn’t in front of his mind.
“I’m totally honest, I’m not thinking about tomorrow either,” Stroman said. “There are many things that are unpredictable.”
Boone didn’t want to move through the calendar after Valentine’s Day.
“The focus is now on getting him ready,” Boone said as a starter. “When things come in our way, we talk to them.”
Boone said that Stroman is “someone I have a lot of love and respect,” and that Stroman added a relationship with the manager, saying that his teammates are still strong.
“I told them a few days later,” Stroman said after taking a photo of his body on Tuesday. “I have a lot of respect for Booney. I think he’s an incredible manager.”