The New York Yankees, in a bid to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the 2024 MLB season, initiated negotiation talks with several top-tier talent available on the market. From Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Blake Snell, the club contacted every pitcher they deemed fit enough to play in the Bronx.
However, when nothing worked as per plan, the Yankees’ front office changed the plan altogether. After Blake Snell rejected Yanks’ introductory offer, the team pivoted to an unlikely candidate, Marcus Stroman. Apparently, the Bombers signed him in a $37 million deal for two years, and ahead of the season, Stroman expressed his true feelings about joining the Yanks.
Marcus Stroman Can’t Wait To Experience The Buzzing Vibe Of Yankee Stadium!
Right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman logged a successful All-Star year with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, wherein he pitched a 3.95 ERA across 27 games, which included 25 starts. However, in a surprising twist in the tale, Stroman opted out of the contract with the Cubs to explore free agency. Despite a sublime season, the pitcher failed to garner attention from top-tier teams until the New York Yankees stepped in. Rumor has it that Stroman met Yankee officials in Tampa last week, and the two parties agreed upon a two-year deal worth $37 million. However, Marcus’ signing took the Yankee fans by surprise, especially those who witnessed a beef between him and Brian Cashman a few years ago.
After Cashman said he does not see Marcus Stroman as a difference-maker pitcher, the right-hander got offended and launched a social media rant. He called out the franchise’s underperforming pitching staff and bad-mouthed the leadership. Regardless, it seems the water is under the bridge as the two sides cleared out their past difference last week in Tampa. Meanwhile, ahead of the official announcement, Stroman took to his Instagram to express his excitement for the next season. Marcus, who grew up in New York, says the homecoming moment is surreal. He feels honored to have been given the opportunity to don the pinstripes and that he cannot wait to set foot in the iconic Yankee Stadium.” Will compete to the highest degree for you all. The authentic confidence and swagger I play with is a direct result to growing up in New York culture,” wrote Stroman on his Instagram story.
Marcus Stroman Apparently Lowered His Ask To Join Yankees!
New information about Marcus Stroman’s negotiation talks with the New York Yankees has come to light, and the details are staggering. As per multiple MLB insiders, the pitcher apparently took a pay cut to join forced with his home team, the Bronx Bombers. Apparently, Stroman market price is valued at $44 million.
However, the pitcher agreed to a $37 million deal, which is way below his market value. It shows how both parties were desperate to join hands, and the Yankees, in particular, took advantage. They not only signed him in a discounted deal but also lured the Stroman with a vesting option for the third year, given he adheres to the preset conditions.