Marcus Stroman was among the many pitchers to appear on many team’s radars. That has finally settled as Stroman decided to sign a two-year, $37 million deal with the New York Yankees. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, it comes with an option averaging $18.5 million a season. There was a strong belief that Stroman might stay put with the Chicago Cubs. He signed a three-year, $71 million contract before the 2022 season as he declined the $21 million club option for 2024.
Stroman in agreement with Yankees on 2 yrs deal with an option averaging $18.5M a season
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 12, 2024
Yankees Add to Rotation with Marcus Stroman
It wasn’t an ideal season for the 32-year-old. Injuries derailed what was turning out to be a great 2023 campaign. He had a 2.96 ERA in 112 2/3 innings before the All-Star break, then an 8.64 ERA throughout his final 24 innings of the season. Stroman finished with a 3.95 ERA over 136 2/3 innings. He dealt with a hip inflammation which caused him to miss six weeks and then a cartilage fracture in his right ribcage. When Stroman returned, the Cubs limited the right-hander to shortened starts and bullpen duties in September.
Injuries Contributed to His Struggles
Stroman’s injuries have contributed to his struggles over the final three months of the season. Although it marks a second straight year with a notable injury absence. Between the shoulder inflammation and a brief stint on the COVID-related IL, he only threw 138 2/3 innings in 2022, barely above his total in 2023. Stroman’s groundball-heavy approach may not quite fit some front office mould. Yet, he posts good results over his nine seasons in the majors. When he is at his best, Stroman looks like a front-of-the-rotation pitcher, with two All-Star nods to his credit. He even finished with a seventh-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting in 2017.
No Qualifying Offer Attached to Stroman
Stroman signs with the team not having to worry about a qualifying offer. He previously received and accepted a qualifying offer from the New York Mets following the 2023 season. The lack of draft compensation attached to his services gave Stroman a leg up on the market. That also means the Cubs will not receive anything in return.
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