Marcus Stroman‘s tenure with the New York Yankees has reached a crossroads. The veteran right-hander’s 2025 season has been derailed by poor performance and injury concerns, leaving his future in pinstripes hanging in the balance.
The manager was not sure when asked about his return timeframe. The Yankees also don’t feel his need as the changed plan is working well. This lack of clarity has prompted New York Post columnist Joel Sherman to raise a significant question: “Will Stroman ever pitch for the Yankees again?”
Sherman’s inquiry suggests growing doubts about the pitcher’s future in pinstripes. The Yankees stand at 33-20 heading into Memorial Day, thriving without Stroman’s contributions. What was expected to be a stabilizing veteran presence has instead become a rehabilitation question mark and potential trade asset.
Promising start turns into disaster
Stroman’s 2025 journey with New York has been filled with obstacles from the beginning.
Trade speculation and a delayed spring training arrival created early uncertainty. When Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) and Luis Gil (lat strain) went down with injuries, Stroman suddenly found himself with a golden opportunity to anchor the rotation.
Instead of capitalizing, the veteran struggled mightily. Stroman managed just three starts before his season effectively ended. He posted an alarming 11.57 ERA during that brief stint, allowing 13 earned runs across 10.1 innings pitched.
His command disappeared. His velocity looked diminished. Then a knee injury sent him to the injured list, where he remains today.
Recent updates on his condition have been minimal. Manager Aaron Boone recently acknowledged the lack of information, telling reporters, “I really didn’t know.” The uncertainty has only fueled more speculation about Stroman’s immediate future.
Team finds success in his absence
The Yankees’ pitching staff has stabilized remarkably well without Stroman’s presence.
- Clarke Schmidt bounced back from a brief injury and has regained his footing in the rotation.
- Will Warren has shown marked improvement and gained confidence with each outing.
- Ryan Yarbrough replaced the released Carlos Carrasco and has been outstanding, posting a 2.30 ERA across his last four starts.
- Luis Gil remains on track for a July return from his lat injury.
This newfound depth has made Stroman’s absence less noticeable. The Yankees are also actively scouting trade deadline additions, which could further complicate his path back to relevance.
Uncertain path forward
Stroman recently traveled with the team during their Colorado road trip. He completed a bullpen session and told media members his knee “feels good.” Boone mentioned the next phase would involve facing live hitters. Even if he gets healthy, questions remain about his role.
The financial implications may actually favor his continued absence. Stroman’s contract contains an $18 million player option for 2026, which only triggers if he reaches 140 innings this season. Given his extended time away and uncertain timeline, that benchmark appears unrealistic.
This situation gives the Yankees flexibility to part ways after the season — or potentially sooner.
New York Post columnist Joel Sherman has suggested the organization might already be exploring alternatives. “Never say never. Injury and/or poor performance could create an opening,” Sherman wrote. “But with the 2026 option no longer a factor, it is possible the Yankees could trade him and take back a bad salary, eat dollars, or just release him.”
Such mid-season moves aren’t uncommon for contending teams focused on October success rather than patience with underperforming veterans.
Expensive investment yields little return
Stroman joined New York in December 2023 amid considerable fanfare. Fans expected his experience and attitude to provide valuable leadership. The three-year contract included various opt-outs and performance incentives, though it represented a calculated gamble given his injury history.
His Yankees experience has been largely disappointing. He failed to meet expectations in 2024 before fading down the stretch. This season has been catastrophic from the start.
His delayed spring training arrival raised eyebrows throughout the organization. The apparent disconnect between Stroman and the front office became increasingly obvious as his struggles mounted.
Now, with an inflated ERA and limited opportunities to prove his worth, Stroman has lost any leverage he once possessed. The Yankees have an $18 million pitcher whose roster spot is blocked by younger, cheaper, and more effective alternatives.
Second-half contribution still possible
Scenarios exist where Stroman could still contribute meaningful innings.
Baseball’s grueling schedule creates injury risks for every team. Another setback to Schmidt, Warren, or Gil could force the Yankees to reconsider their options. If Stroman returns to full health, he might provide value as a veteran presence in a swingman or long relief capacity.
For now, however, he remains outside the organization’s immediate plans.
The front office will closely monitor his next rehabilitation steps. His upcoming bullpen sessions or simulated games will likely determine whether he gets another opportunity in meaningful situations. Until then, his roster spot remains effectively available.
Critical decision approaching
Stroman’s situation presents general manager Brian Cashman with a significant choice. The Yankees can continue waiting for him to regain his previous form, or they can explore trade possibilities while his reputation still holds some value.
Rebuilding franchises might be willing to take a chance on him, particularly if New York agrees to absorb a portion of his remaining salary.
The Yankees are battling for division supremacy and championship contention. They cannot afford extended patience with struggling veterans. Every roster decision carries weight. Every rotation spot matters tremendously.
Unless Stroman demonstrates soon that he deserves another chance, his time wearing pinstripes may be quietly approaching its conclusion.
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