TAMPA — Marcus Stroman, whom the Yankees have tried to commerce by means of the offseason, has not participated within the first two days of on-field pitcher and catcher drills.
By collective bargaining settlement rule, the necessary report date is Feb. 22. However an individual aware of Stroman’s pondering stated the expectation is that he’ll report earlier than the primary full-squad exercise on Monday, maybe as early as Friday or Saturday. The supply additionally stated Stroman shouldn’t be staying away as a protest.
Stroman was at Steinbrenner Subject early this week to take the necessary physicals.
Aaron Boone reported the 2 had a convivial dialog and that Stroman was in good spirits and in addition in good bodily situation.
Stroman lives within the Tampa space and is named a tough employee off the sphere. However it has been troublesome to overlook his absence from drills, when some starters are already throwing dwell batting apply classes.
Boone, all the time publicly tactful, has refused to explain anybody because the odd-man out of the rotation.
However the Yankee beginning 5, with well being, is sort of sure to be Gerritt Cole, Max Fried, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt.
An harm — as beset Cole in spring final yr — would elevate Stroman to the rotation if he’s not traded.
The Yankees are at present projected for about $305 million for luxurious tax functions — or roughly $4 million underneath the highest tier with 110 p.c levies. Different golf equipment are indicating the Yankees need to transfer as a lot as Stroman’s $18 million wage earlier than including additional — if they’re certainly nonetheless even at present procuring.
However that’s difficult.
Stroman turns 34 in Could and is seen as a polarizing participant by at the very least a number of different groups. He had a powerful first half final yr, however faltered down the stretch, equally to 2023 when he was injured with the Cubs.
Even with Nick Pivetta agreeing Wednesday with the Padres, there are nonetheless different veteran free agent starters corresponding to Kyle Gibson, Andrew Heaney and Lance Lynn nonetheless out there. And Stroman has an $18 million vesting choice for 2026 if he reaches 140 innings in 2025.
Subsequently, if the Yankees had been to commerce Stroman — if they will commerce Stroman — the Yankees probably must both tackle a contract of some heft or eat a portion of Stroman’s deal.
