Stroman psyched to bring his ‘swagger’ to the Bronx
After two seasons in The Windy City, Marcus Stroman is ready for another homecoming.
The Medford, Long Island native has already pitched in his own backyard, as he threw for the Mets in 2019 and 2021 while opting out of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. But Stroman has long insisted that he is well-suited for the bright lights of the Bronx.
He will get that opportunity after agreeing to a deal with the Yankees last week.
“New York! I’m ready,” Stroman wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday. “Can’t wait to put on THE PINSTRIPES and feel the energy in Yankee Stadium. Honored to put on the uniform. Very, very honored. Will compete to the highest degree for you all.”
Stroman’s deal, which is for at least two years and $37 million, was officially announced by the Yankees on Wednesday morning. To make room on the 40-man roster, the team designated outfielder Oscar Gonzalez for assignment.
While the pact just became official, Stroman quickly confirmed his agreement and posted a photoshop of himself in a Yankees uniform shortly after reports of his deal surfaced.
On Tuesday, Stroman shared his most impassioned message yet.
“The authentic confidence and swagger I play with is a direct result to growing up in New York culture,” continued Stroman, who pitches with flair. “Truly can’t wait to feel the buzz and vibe of the crowd on start day. That’s the sh– we dream about as kids. I get chills thinking of these dreams turn to reality!”
On Wednesday morning, the Yankees shared their own post hyping Stroman’s return to the city.
Stroman has shown that he can pitch in New York, as he recorded a 3.21 ERA over 44 starts with the Mets after beginning his career with the Blue Jays.
He spent the last two seasons with the Cubs. Stroman had a 3.73 ERA for Chicago, but injuries limited him to just 25 starts and less than 140 innings in each campaign.
Nonetheless, Stroman seems to have enjoyed his time there.
“Shout to Chicago and the entire Cubs fanbase/ organization,” he wrote. “Incredible city. Loved every moment being there. Pitching at Wrigley was electric each and every time. Very thankful to have competed for one of the most historic franchises. Grateful for the coaches, my teammates, and staff there. All amazing human beings. Thank you for the support and love over the past few years!
SQUASHING BEEFS
Some were surprised when the Yankees and Stroman struck a deal, as the righty and Brian Cashman have feuded in the past.
However, it’s not new for the Yankees to bring in players who have previously beefed with incumbent members of the organization. Roger Clemens, for example, wasn’t exactly a popular figure among Yankees hitters before joining their ranks, as his head-hunting ways were poorly received as an opponent.
More recently, the Yankees traded for Josh Donaldson after he called out staff ace Gerrit Cole during Major League Baseball’s crackdown on sticky stuff.
The Yankees are hoping Stroman’s transition from foe to friend turns out better than Donaldson’s.
A WORTHWHILE RISK
The Yankees will pay Stroman a bit more than $18 million per season. Various concerns surely impacted that figure, but there’s no denying that that’s a solid price in this market. Just look at what ex-Yankee Frankie Montas, who essentially missed all of 2023, got from the Reds (one year, $16 million).
With the very top of the pitching market rather costly via free agency or trade, Stroman is a good, if risky, get at his number after recording a 3.65 ERA over his nine-year career. And if the Yankees still want to make a splash and bolster their rotation some more, they can.
That said, the Yankees’ luxury tax payroll is already projected to exceed $300 million.
COULD A YOUNG YANKEE BENEFIT?
With a nasty sinker, Stroman has a 56.7% groundball rate for his career. That makes him an anomaly in the Yankees’ rotation and could pair nicely with an infield defense that ranked 12th in Outs Above Average last year.
Stroman could also mean more playing time for Oswald Peraza — if the Yankees don’t trade the 23-year-old.
Based on the eye test, Peraza is the Yankees’ best defensive infielder. He’s a shortstop by trade, but that gig belongs to Anthony Volpe, who just won a Gold Glove as a rookie. However, Peraza can play second and third. If he’s still around, he should get opportunities to start when Stroman does.