MLB team, the Yankees, offload veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman to create space for recently acquired relievers following the trade deadline.
Marcus Stroman, the veteran pitcher, has been released by the New York Yankees. The decision comes after a challenging season marred by a knee injury and less-than-stellar performance.
Stroman's contract, signed last offseason for a two-year, $37 million deal, included an $18 million option for 2026 that would have vested with 140 innings in 2025. However, his knee injury and subsequent poor performance meant he was not expected to reach that threshold. Consequently, the Yankees will pay the remainder of his $18 million salary for 2025, despite his release.
Stroman's season statistics show a 6.23 ERA in nine starts, with a 3-2 record. His performance improved slightly after returning from injury, posting a 4.55 ERA in six starts. Notably, in his last start, he allowed four runs in five innings, with the Yankees losing 7-4 to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Yankees have opted to release Stroman to make roster space for relievers acquired at the MLB trade deadline and to accommodate the return of Luis Gil from injury. In his place, the team will stick with rookie righty Cam Schlittler, who has a 4.91 ERA through his first three major-league starts.
The Yankees have been actively pursuing starting pitchers before the trade deadline, with names like Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly on their radar. However, despite their efforts, they were unsuccessful in acquiring a starting pitcher before the deadline.
Currently, the Yankees' rotation depth chart includes Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Will Warren, Allan Winans, and Cam Schlittler. With key players out due to injury, many of whom will miss the 2025 season or the rest of 2025, the team's rotation depth will be tested.
The Yankees are currently 3 ½ games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East and are in the top wild card spot. The team has been in good form lately, winning three straight and 12 of their last 20 games, standing at 60-49.
Meanwhile, Jordan Yarbrough, who had a 3.83 ERA in eight starts earlier this year, is out since late-June due to an injury. He will miss a few more weeks following his recent start in a throwing program.
The Yankees have also been active in trades, making five trades on Thursday and eight over the last week, focusing on overhauling their bench and bullpen.
[1] Yankees Release Stroman
[2] Stroman's Struggles Lead to Release by Yankees
[3] Stroman's Contract and Release Explained
[4] Yankees' Roster Shakeup: Stroman Released, Schlittler to Start
[5] The Future of Marcus Stroman after Yankees Release
[1] Despite his two-year, $37 million deal, the New York Yankees have released veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman following a challenging season and an unmet 140-innings threshold to vest his 2026 $18 million option.
[2] Stroman's 2023 season with the Yankees was marred by a knee injury and less-than-stellar performance, culminating in a release on the heels of a 6.23 ERA in nine starts, with a 3-2 record.
[3] Stroman's contract release by the Yankees will result in the team paying the remainder of his $18 million salary for 2025, despite his release due to his inability to reach the 140-inning threshold.
[4] The Yankees have opted to release Stroman to make roster space for relievers acquired at the MLB trade deadline and to accommodate the return of injured players like Luis Gil. In his place, rookie righty Cam Schlittler will continue in the starting rotation.
[5] With the Yankees actively pursuing starting pitchers before the trade deadline but unsuccessful in acquiring one, Stroman's release leaves a question mark about the team's future pitching options.
