Brian Cashman’s reaction to Marcus Stroman skipping the first two workouts of the New York Yankees spring training is not concerning him whatsoever.
“No big deal,” Cashman said Friday at Spring Training Media Day. “He’s a pro. I know he’s in a good state of mind and good shape. Glad he got here today. He was there for the physicals too, so he really didn’t miss anything. Certainly, always want people there from the jump, but at the same time, getting to know Stro now since he got here last year, I also know he knows what it takes to be ready, so I’ve got no concerns.”
Brian Cashman says there’s “no regret” to signing Marcus Stroman to his contract last offseason
“Stro is one of the reasons why we got out of the gates strong and propelled ourselves to an American League championship” pic.twitter.com/UWgKU8OyO0
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 14, 2025
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After missing Wednesday and Thursday’s on-field workouts—a decision well within his rights under the current collective bargaining agreement—Stroman arrived at Yankees camp on Friday in good spirits. He insisted his absence had no underlying message and was unrelated to trade rumors or his role on the team.
However, he did make one thing crystal clear.
“I’m a starter,” Stroman repeated multiple times when speaking with reporters. “I won’t pitch in the bullpen.”
If Stroman’s late arrival didn’t bother Cashman, surely a firm refusal to shift roles would ruffle the general manager’s feathers. Instead, Cashman backed his pitcher’s stance.
Brian Cashman’s Take on Marcus Stroman’s Comments
“I agree with him, he’s a starter,” Cashman said, calling Stroman’s comments “vintage Stro.”
“I know that he is a starter, he’s a good stater,” Cashman added. “He’s at the very least sharing with you that he’s a starter, and I don’t disagree. He is.”
The reality, though, is that Stroman’s role with the Yankees remains uncertain. On paper, the right-hander is the team’s sixth starter, positioned behind Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt. Stroman won’t be starting when the season begins without an injury to one of those arms.
Stroman’s Status Has Fueled Trade Speculation
With an $18 million salary for this season, Stroman’s status has sparked trade rumors. The Yankees are reportedly exploring options to move him, potentially shedding payroll while still maintaining rotation depth. Cashman, as expected, didn’t comment on trade discussions but did acknowledge that roster flexibility remains a priority.
“We’re always open-minded to all aspects of the roster and anybody’s welcome to knock on our door,” Cashman said. “We want to have the best team we possibly can for our fan base as we enter any season and try to fight to become a world champion once again.”
For now, the Yankees are proceeding as if Stroman will be their insurance policy—a proven starter available in case of injury. He could be thrust into the rotation before Opening Day, or if another team faces a need, trade talks could heat up. If the Yankees are willing to eat part of his salary a deal could come into focus.
“Just let this whole thing play out,” Cashman said. “We’ll see where we go. And there might not even be decisions that have to be made because a lot of times these things get made for you. We hope that we’ll be in good position and good health with everybody. There’s certainly a lot of opportunities that might present themselves along the way throughout the spring. Let’s just see where we’re at when we obviously are getting closer to Opening Day.”
The Yankees will wait and see how the situation unfolds, knowing that with Stroman, nothing is ever dull.
Main Photo: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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