The New York Yankees recently strengthened their starting pitching lineup by signing seasoned right-hander Marcus Stroman to a two-year, $37 million deal. Stroman’s contract comprises a 2026 vesting option and a 2025 player option, conditioned on pitching a minimum of 140 innings. The incentive for Stroman to stay healthy and on the field is apparent, especially since he fell just shy of the 140-inning mark in the last two seasons, reaching a maximum of 138.2 innings.
With Stroman in the mix, the Yankees now boast a rotation featuring five starters. Should they contemplate acquiring another pitcher of the caliber of Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, decisions will be required on who among Clarke Schmidt or Nestor Cortes should make way. Currently, Cortes is a strong candidate for a prominent role in the rotation, and Schmidt’s promising first season as a starter has generated optimism about his potential improvement.
However, the Yankees appear poised to step back from the starting pitching market, at least for the time being. The possibility of pursuing Snell is contingent on a significant reduction in his asking price. Instead, the team seems inclined to wait until the trade deadline next summer to assess their needs. There is also the option of making a late push for Corbin Burnes in the next offseason or exploring trades for expiring contracts at a more affordable price point.
Despite the seemingly solidified rotation and the potential impact of prospect Will Warren, the Yankees would need to make strategic moves to accommodate any new additions. Looking ahead to the next season, they could consider investing in Burnes on a long-term contract or exploring the option of veteran Zack Wheeler, known for maintaining quality performance and excelling in the postseason.
However, the Yankees are approaching these decisions cautiously, avoiding rushed commitments. General manager Brian Cashman is hesitant to make significant investments in players over 30, considering the team’s existing contracts that are aging unfavorably. The prospect of a five- or six-year deal for Snell is seen as potentially strapping the Yankees to a player on the decline after his best season, making regression to the mean a reasonable expectation.
Stroman’s signing aligns well with Yankee Stadium’s characteristics, given his low home run rates and high ground ball rates. While the team is optimistic about his upside, they remain open to potential challenges and may explore the trade market to reinforce the rotation during the summer months.
Marcus Stroman gives the Yankees what they need at the right price
The Yankees successfully addressed their pitching concerns by securing a two-year contract with Marcus Stroman, providing a solution that satisfies both parties. Concerns had been growing among fans and observers due to the apparent lack of movement in the pitching market, especially after the Yankees missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Despite being linked to various pitchers in rumors, no concrete developments had surfaced until the recent signing of Marcus Stroman on Thursday night.
Examining the details of Stroman’s contract is crucial to understanding its significance within the current free agent market. Stroman committed to a two-year deal with a $37 million guarantee, accompanied by an option for a third season. The contract includes a $18 million team option, which can become a player option if Stroman pitches 140 innings or more in 2025.
The 140-inning threshold is noteworthy considering Stroman’s track record. In both 2022 and 2023, he fell just short of reaching that mark, finishing each season with high 130s innings. However, he did log 179 frames in 2021, resulting in a three-year average of 151 innings. From the Yankees’ perspective, the deal offers an intriguing option. Stroman has demonstrated his abilities, and the team is protected in case of health-related struggles. If Stroman reaches the 140-inning milestone in 2025, he might opt out to explore potentially more lucrative opportunities in the open market.
Comparing Stroman’s deal to other recent pitching contracts provides additional context. Following Stroman’s signing, the Giants secured Jordan Hicks for $44 million over four seasons, with plans to transition him from a reliever to a starter. Michael Wacha received a $32 million, two-year deal, and Seth Lugo signed for $45 million over three years, both with the Royals. A tier higher, Sonny Gray secured a $75 million, three-year contract with the Cardinals.
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Given this landscape, the Yankees’ deal with Stroman appears favorable, particularly considering their need for additional pitching depth. Acquiring a reliable starter who can consistently contribute quality innings aligns with the team’s requirements. Stroman, at 33 years old in May, boasts a more established track record than Wacha or Lugo and falls within the same age bracket as both players. Brian Cashman and the Yankees demonstrated shrewd business by securing Stroman in a comparable market tier.
Importantly, Stroman’s addition reshapes the Yankees’ pitching depth chart, alleviating concerns about lesser-experienced pitchers filling key roles. The likes of Will Warren and Clayton Beeter are no longer penciled in as the fifth starter, giving them more time to develop at Triple-A before potentially contributing in the majors later in the season. Clarke Schmidt now assumes the role of the club’s fifth starter, with Luis Gil and Yoendrys Gómez completing the team’s starting depth.
While the potential for additional additions to the pitching staff remains uncertain, Stroman’s signing ensures that the Yankees’ in-house options are better aligned with their respective roles. The team should continue to proactively address rotation concerns, especially given the injury question marks surrounding Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes. Nevertheless, Stroman’s arrival represents a positive step for the Yankees, addressing a critical need at a reasonable price for all parties involved.
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