TAMPA – Marcus Stroman, who the Yankees were about to trade throughout the offseason, has not been involved in the first two days of pitcher and catcher drills on the field.
Due to the collective bargaining contract rules, the mandatory reporting date is February 22nd. However, anyone familiar with Stroman's ideas said they would expect to report on Friday or Saturday before Monday's first full squad workout. Sources said Stromann had not separated in protest.
Stroman was at Stein Brenner Field earlier this week and adopted the essential physics.
Aaron Boone reported that the two were having a cheerful conversation, and that Stroman was fine and in good health.
Stroman lives in the Tampa area and is known as a hardworking worker off the field. However, it was difficult to miss the absence in the drill when some starters were already throwing live batting practice sessions.
Always openly and cleverly, Boone refused to describe anyone as a strange person from the rotation.
However, the Yankees will start five in health and are almost certain to be Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Lewis Gill, Carlos Rodon and Clark Schmidt.
The injury that bothered Cole last spring brings Stromain into rotation if he isn't traded.
The Yankees are currently projected at around $305 million for luxury tax purposes. That means there is about $4 million in taxation under the top tier. Other clubs show they want to move as much as Stroman's $18 million salary before the Yankees add more.
But that's complicated.
Stromann turned 34 in May and is considered a polarizing player by at least several other teams. He made the first half of last year stronger, but he weakened his stretch, similar to 2023 when he was injured in the Cubs.
Even if Nick Pivetta agrees to the Padres on Wednesday, veteran free agent starters such as Kyle Gibson, Andrew Heaney and Lance Lynn are still available. Stroman also has a $18 million vesting option for 2026 if it reaches 140 innings in 2025.
So, if the Yankees are able to trade Stromann, if they can trade Stromann, then the Yankees will likely have to either have a certain amount of contract or eat some of the Stromann deal.
