In a first significant move to bolster the pitching staff for the upcoming season, the New York Yankees reportedly signed Marcus Stroman in a massive two-year $37 million deal. The pitcher has been dropping hints of his homecoming in New York. Meanwhile, the franchise has yet to release an official statement.
Nonetheless, a deal is made, and Marcus Stroman, who once had an argument with GM Brian Cashman, is a Yankee. Having said that, with the pitching department further shrinking, can the Yanks make another splash move to bolster the depth further? Amid strong buzz buzz, a top hurler, previously linked to the Bombers, signed a huge deal elsewhere.
Jordan Hicks Signs Mega Deal With San Francisco Giants!
One of the most respected and celebrated relief pitchers in MLB, RHP Jordan Hicks, became a free agent this off-season. In 2023, he posted a 3.29 ERA across 65 games and further increased his stakes in the market. Not only that, Hicks is committed to spending the majority of his career in the bullpen. Thus, the pitcher naturally demanded a hefty contract. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees were once actively linked to Hicks. They were widely expected to make a strong push to acquire Hicks, who had become a fan favorite for his clutch performances in high-pressure situations. However, the relief pitcher found a home elsewhere as he signed a mega deal with one of the Yanks’ rivals in MLB.
As per Jess Passan, Jordan Hicks is in an agreement with San Francisco Giants for a four-year $44 million deal. Negotiations between Hicks’ representatives and the Giants front office reportedly intensified in the weeks leading up to the deal. However, for the Yankees, the news of losing Hicks to the Giants was met with frustration. The team is already low on pitching arms, and the loss of Hicks will surely sting the front office. With Michael King with the Padres, NYY needed the presence of a strong reliever to lead the bullpen in 2024. But it seems Hicks was looking for a starter’s role. That being said, even if he did, it made sense for the Yanks to sign Hicks in a four-year deal than settle for a loud Marcus Stroman. Regardless, Jordan Hicks is a lost opportunity, and the front office must move past it to restructure off-season plans.
Can Yankees’ Stroman Handle The Pressure Of Playing In New York?
Adjusting to the hostile environment of New York is not everybody’s cup of tea. When a player signs up with the New York Yankees, he also signs up for the criticism that comes with it. Over the years, the veteran Yankee players have made peace with the hostile reception from fans. But will Marcus Stroman be able to do the same?
It’s no secret that Stroman is expressive and loud. His social media outbursts are second to none. Especially the New York Yankee fans who bore the brunt of it in the past. Needless to say, the pitcher won’t be greeted positively the next time he sets foot in the Bronx. It’s a challenge for Stroman to keep his emotions in check and turn fans’ boos into cheers with groundbreaking performances on the mound.
