Yankees Release Marcus Stroman
The New York Yankees have made the decision to release right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman, ending his time with the team.
Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million contract before the start of last season, did not meet expectations. The Yankees will assume the rest of his salary, which amounts to $18 million.
The pitcher had an $18 million option for 2026, which would have been activated if he pitched 140 innings this season. However, with only 39 innings pitched as of August 1st, Stroman will not reach that goal and will become a free agent in the offseason.
Ultimately, Stroman, with a 3-2 record and a 6.23 ERA in nine starts this season, was removed from the Yankees’ rotation with the return of Luis Gil from the injured list, who is scheduled to make his debut on Sunday against the Miami Marlins.
New York’s starting rotation will be composed of Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Gil, Will Warren, and rookie Cam Schlitttler, who impressed the team’s management enough to take Stroman out of the equation.
The possibility of moving Stroman to the bullpen was not viable, especially after the pitcher rejected the idea of being a reliever at the beginning of spring training, when he was not projected to be part of the Yankees’ Opening Day starting rotation.
However, Gerrit Cole and Gil’s injuries opened the door for Stroman to start games.
Stroman spent more than two months on the injured list due to a left knee injury, returning on June 29 to make six starts. His last outing as a Yankee was on Thursday, where he allowed four runs on six hits in five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays.
