The New York Yankees kicked off spring training this week, but one notable player was conspicuously missing from the action. Right-hander Marcus Stroman, the subject of swirling trade rumors all offseason, opted to skip the team’s first two workouts after reporting for his physical on Tuesday.
Stroman’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
Manager Aaron Boone said he “had an idea” the 33-year-old would be absent on Wednesday and Thursday following a conversation earlier in the week, but declined to provide specifics on Stroman’s reasoning. “I’m not going to speak for him,” Boone told reporters. “You can ask him for the reasons. I want him here, obviously, but we also have to respect the rules that are set up.”
Under MLB’s collective bargaining agreement, players are not required to report until February 22nd. Boone said he expects Stroman to join the team in the coming days, but wouldn’t commit to an exact date. The skipper acknowledged the “awkward situation” Stroman finds himself in, with a crowded Yankees rotation leaving him as the odd man out.
“He’s a prideful player, he’s a guy that’s had a great career where it’s a little bit of an awkward situation, obviously. So of course I want him here, and I’m trying to keep nudging him to get here. But, again, you also have to respect the fact that this is something players are allowed to do.”
– Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Stroman’s absence
Stroman on the Block
Stroman, a two-time All-Star, is owed $18.5 million this season with an $18 million player option for 2026 if he reaches 140 innings pitched. The Yankees have actively shopped the veteran this winter in hopes of shedding his salary. Boone downplayed any potential tension, saying he doesn’t “sense any animus” between himself and Stroman.
The right-hander posted a 4.31 ERA over 154.2 innings in his Yankees debut last year but was left off the team’s playoff roster. Stroman’s future in New York remains murky, with Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil all ahead of him on the starting depth chart.
“This is a guy that’s been an outstanding pitcher in this league for a long time with a lot of pride. But, no, I don’t sense any animus between he and I, and I’m confident and comfortable that he’s ready to come in here and do his job at a high level.”
– Boone on Stroman’s professionalism amidst uncertainty
Ace Cole Feeling Good
In other Yankees news, ace Gerrit Cole reported no issues nearly a year removed from the elbow injury that cost him over two months in 2024. The right-hander hit 95 mph three times during a 25-pitch live bullpen session Thursday, telling reporters afterwards that he felt good and is ahead of schedule compared to recent springs.
Top pitching prospect Eric Reyzelman, a non-roster invitee to big league camp, was also discharged from the hospital Thursday morning after an overnight stay due to an allergic reaction. The 23-year-old posted a 1.93 ERA across three minor league levels last season.
Key Takeaways
- Marcus Stroman absent from Yankees’ first spring workouts amid trade speculation
- Manager Aaron Boone expects Stroman to report in coming days
- Gerrit Cole feeling strong after last year’s elbow injury
- Top prospect Eric Reyzelman released from hospital after allergic reaction
As the Yankees ramp up preparations for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Stroman’s situation and whether the team can find a taker for the high-priced veteran. For now, manager Aaron Boone is focused on getting his ace Cole ready to lead a rotation aiming to defend their American League pennant.
