In six weeks, catchers and pitchers report to spring training at the New York Yankees training facility in Tampa. However, the team simply does not have any arms on deck to hold an in-house competition. From starting rotation to bullpen depth, the Yanks’ overall pitching staff remains in shambles.
Having said that, industry rumors have it that the Yankees have ramped up negotiation talks with multiple free agents and trade candidates. Interestingly, a Chicago Cubs veteran starter approached the Bronx Bombers this off-season. However, the team rejected his services owing to bad blood between the two parties that goes way back.
Yankees Say No To Marcus Stroman’s Active Interest In Joining Forces This Off-Season!
Marcus Stroman, a 10-year veteran MLB starting pitcher, opted out of Chicago Cubs’ player contract to explore free agency this off-season. The pitcher earned his second career All-Star appearance in 2023 by posting a 3.95 ERA across 27 games, which included 25 starts. While Cubs offered a club contract, Stroman was adamant to try his luck in the free agent market. Meanwhile, Marcus is yet to find a buyer and most recently approached a desperate New York Yankees. Yanks’ dire need for a starting pitcher remains hidden to none. Thus, Stroman thought he stood a strong chance at striking a lucrative deal owing to his extensive experience in MLB. However, in an interesting twist in the tale, NYY declined to tender an offer to Marcus Stroman.
MLB insider Bob Nightengale claimed that Marcus Stroman informed the Yankees that he has serious interest in signing with them this off-season. However, the Bronx Bombers rejected the request owing to Stroman’s troubled history with the franchise’s general manager, Brian Cashman. A verbal brawl broke out between the two parties when Cashman deemed Marcus an insignificant pitcher. The comment angered the pitcher, and he went on an ugly rant on his social media. Thus, it’s unideal for the Yanks to partner up with a pitcher with such an unpleasant history with one of the franchise’s top decision-makers. Moreover, the rejection could also be based on the Yanks’ assessment of their current pitching needs. While Stroman is a seasoned starter with a track record of success, the team may have alternative plans or preferences regarding the type of pitching they are seeking for the upcoming season.
Yanks Expected To Make Significant Addition To Pitching Rotation Soon!
That being said, the Yankees’ hesitancy to table an offer to Marcus Stroman should not be mistaken as the franchise’s lack of interest in pitchers. As it stands, the team is currently in talks with Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, and Dylan Cease for a potential acquisition. Not only that, the front office also managed to get the blessings of owner Hal Steinbrenner.
“Managing partner Hal Steinbrenner is said to be on board with the concept of a serious addition to a rotation that’s suffered a couple of losses via trade and free agency,” said Jon Heyman. Indeed, pitching reinforcements are the need of the hour. The team must prioritize a signing before spring training commences next month.