Marcus Stroman entered the 2025 MLB season with high expectations. After signing a two-year deal with the New York Yankees in 2023, he was seen as a key rotation piece. But as the 2025 campaign progressed, questions began to swirl around Stroman’s form, fitness, and future in the Bronx. In this article, we dive deep into what happened to Marcus Stroman in 2025, including injury concerns, performance trends, trade rumors, and whether the Yankees ultimately released him.
Who is Marcus Stroman?
Marcus Stroman is a right-handed pitcher known for his energy, athleticism, and ability to generate ground balls. Born on May 1, 1991, in Medford, New York, he played college baseball at Duke University and made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Career Snapshot:
-
MLB Debut: May 4, 2014 (Toronto Blue Jays)
-
Teams Played For: Blue Jays, Mets, Cubs, Yankees
-
Pitch Style: Sinkerballer with a mix of sliders, cutters, and splitters
-
Height/Weight: 5’7”, 180 lbs
-
Notable Traits: Gold Glove winner, WBC MVP (2017)
His stature defies typical pitcher profiles, but his grit and consistency have earned him a loyal fanbase and the respect of many across the league.
Marcus Stroman’s Yankees Journey
Marcus Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million deal with the Yankees in December 2023. The move was seen as a much-needed boost for a rotation that had struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
2024 Season Recap:
In 2024, Stroman posted respectable numbers:
-
Games Started: 28
-
ERA: 3.87
-
Innings Pitched: 162
-
Wins: 11
-
Strikeouts: 143
He was not dominant but consistent—a mid-rotation workhorse the Yankees hoped could help them make a postseason push.
What Happened to Marcus Stroman in 2025?
1. Injury Troubles in Spring Training
Stroman’s 2025 began with uncertainty. Reports emerged during spring training that he was dealing with discomfort in his hip and lower back. Although initially labeled as “day-to-day,” the issues lingered.
2. Inconsistent Starts in Early Season
When Stroman finally took the mound in April 2025, fans noticed his velocity was slightly down, and his command was shaky. Over his first 6 starts, he posted a 5.11 ERA with a concerning WHIP of 1.57.
Notable Performance Dip:
-
Struggled to go deep into games
-
Higher walk rate than career average
-
Fewer ground balls induced
This raised eyebrows, especially in the New York media.
3. Injury List and Rehab Assignment
By May 2025, the Yankees officially placed Stroman on the 15-day IL due to inflammation in his right hip and recurring back spasms. What followed was a prolonged rehab assignment in Triple-A Scranton.
While minor league outings helped him regain some rhythm, his return to the majors in mid-June was shaky.
4. Yankees Rotation Shake-up
In Stroman’s absence, young pitchers like Will Warren and Chase Hampton impressed. Combined with the resurgence of Carlos Rodón and a healthy Gerrit Cole, there was suddenly no room for Stroman in the five-man rotation.
Yankees GM Comments:
Brian Cashman hinted at “tough decisions ahead” regarding veteran arms who were underperforming or frequently unavailable.
Did the Yankees Release Marcus Stroman?
Official Status: DFA and Mutual Release (July 2025)
On July 17, 2025, the Yankees designated Marcus Stroman for assignment (DFA). This move sparked a wave of reactions across baseball.
Why the DFA?
-
Continued poor performance (6.20 ERA in 8 starts)
-
Concerns about long-term durability
-
Emerging younger, cheaper talent
-
Tension with coaching staff (rumored)
Following the DFA, Stroman and the Yankees mutually agreed to a release. He cleared waivers due to his salary and became a free agent.
Reactions to Stroman’s Release
Teammates:
Many Yankees teammates, including Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo, spoke highly of Stroman’s leadership and work ethic despite his struggles.
“He always gave his all. Tough break for him this season,” said Judge.
Fans:
Fan reactions were mixed. Some appreciated his energy and experience, while others felt the Yankees should’ve moved on earlier.
Media:
New York tabloids didn’t hold back. Headlines like “Storm Passes: Yankees Cut Stroman Loose” dominated the back pages.
What’s Next for Marcus Stroman?
Potential Suitors:
Even with the release, Stroman’s name remains valuable in MLB circles. Several teams in playoff contention or rebuilding might take a chance on the veteran.
Rumored Interest From:
-
San Diego Padres (need depth)
-
Kansas City Royals (veteran leadership)
-
Boston Red Sox (rivalry spice)
Stroman’s Own Words:
Stroman took to X (formerly Twitter) after his release:
“Grateful for the Yankees opportunity. It didn’t go how I wanted, but I’ll bounce back. Always bet on yourself.”
He also hinted at possibly focusing on his off-field brand, music, and mental health advocacy while recovering fully.
A Look Back: Stroman’s Legacy
Despite a rough 2025, Marcus Stroman has had a solid MLB career:
-
Career ERA: 3.64
-
Career Wins: 80+
-
Strikeouts: 1,200+
-
Gold Glove Awards: 1
-
WBC MVP: 2017
He’s one of the few pitchers to remain productive without elite velocity—relying instead on movement, grit, and confidence.
Yankees’ Rotation After Stroman
With Stroman gone, here’s what the Yankees’ 2025 rotation looks like:
-
Gerrit Cole – Ace and leader
-
Carlos Rodón – Healthy and dominant
-
Nestor Cortes Jr. – Crafty lefty
-
Clarke Schmidt – Emerging presence
-
Will Warren/Chase Hampton – Youth infusion
Their rotation now leans younger, healthier, and more cost-effective—an important move for a team navigating payroll and performance pressure.
Conclusion
Marcus Stroman’s 2025 season was marred by injury, inconsistency, and eventually, release. Once seen as a key rotation piece, his time with the Yankees ended not with a playoff push, but with a DFA and free agency.
Yet Stroman’s journey isn’t over. With his mindset, experience, and versatility, don’t be surprised if he makes a comeback with another franchise—or reinvents himself off the mound.
In the ever-evolving landscape of MLB, players like Marcus Stroman prove that nothing is guaranteed—but resilience remains key.
Leave a Reply