
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 2, 2024; Sarasota, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Mar 2, 2024; Sarasota, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
The air around the New York Yankees’ stadium was electric in anticipation of Opening Day. A new season, fresh hopes, and the high expectation that Gerrit Cole would take the mound as the team’s ace—but fate had other plans. In a sudden twist, Cole’s injury rocked the team, sending manager Aaron Boone and his staff scrambling to adjust. The loss of their star pitcher created a void and a major question mark over the season’s first pitch. Who would step up to fill the void?
Max Fried, the prized $218 million offseason acquisition, seemed like the obvious candidate—until Boone dropped a bombshell on the fans. Aaron Boone, always the strategist, wasn’t ready to hand Fried the Opening Day start just yet. “It might not line up for Max to be the Opening Day starter just because of when Gerrit went down and how everyone is slotted,” Boone explained, throwing cold water on what many fans assumed would be a smooth transition.
“We’ll continue to work through this,” Boone added. In a season where every game mattered, the Yankees now found themselves at a crossroads. Facing a problem they had not anticipated—a need for a leader at the mound! With Fried now likely out of the Opening Day picture, the Yankees’ options are limited to two veterans: Marcus Stroman and Carlos Carrasco.
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Aaron Boone said “it might not line up” for Max Fried to be the Opening Day starter “just because of when Gerrit went down and how everyone is slotted.” Said “we’ll continue to work through this,” with an announcement expected in the next few days.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 11, 2025
However, neither of the two is the surefire ace the Yankees hoped for when they signed Fried. But both do bring enough experience and swagger to keep the rotation competitive. So now the question is: who will take the ball when the Yankees begin their quest for the postseason? With the uncertainty comes the inevitable reactions from the Yankees’ faithful. As the rotation puzzle continues to unfold, Yankees fans are left wondering: could Marcus Stroman really be the one to take the mound on Opening Day?
Marcus Stroman on Opening Day? Fans weigh on the unexpected curveball
What’s your perspective on:
Could Marcus Stroman be the unexpected hero the Yankees need, or a setup for failure?
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As the New York Yankees‘ rotation hits a major bump with Gerrit Cole’s injury, fans are left reeling and questioning the team’s next move. With Marcus Stroman now in the mix for Opening Day, reactions are pouring in—and they’re as unpredictable as the situation itself.
It’s gonna be Stroman lol
— Aodhán Doyle (@AodhanDoyle) March 11, 2025
A touch of humor amidst frustration— some fans seem to have accepted that Marcus Stroman is the inevitable choice. It’s like they’re already mentally preparing themselves for the reality, even if it’s not what they had in mind.
Alright Boone, I will be ready for opening day!
— AK (@AKast52) March 12, 2025
In an amusing twist, faithful volunteers themself for the role of Opening Day starter, playing off the chaos of the Yankees’ rotation. It’s a witty way to poke fun at the dilemma the team faces—when even fans are offering to step up, you know things are a bit out of whack.
If it’s Stroman they will be the laughing stock of NY
— Deb (@DebbiDebsey0404) March 12, 2025
If at all Stroman gets the nod and starts on Opening Day, the Yankees could become the punchline of New York baseball. In a city where the spotlight is unforgiving and teams are under scrutiny, the idea of Stroman taking the mound on Opening Day doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. It feels like the Yankees might be setting themselves up for ridicule rather than triumph.
So what, we beg Stroman to open after spending all offseason trying to trade him? How hard is it to adjust the plan two weeks away
— joseph gerrick (@GerrickJoseph) March 12, 2025
The possibility of Stroman on opening day has instilled a sense of frustration brewing in the fanbase. After flirting with the idea of trading Stroman, the thought of him starting on Opening Day questioned how the team went from potentially trading Stroman to now relying on him for such a crucial role. It’s a sharp critique, as many see this as an unfortunate turn of events, feeling that the Yankees’ plans have gone awry.
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Boone already starting with his stupidity
— cody bellinger enthusiast (@belibombsburner) March 12, 2025
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No sugar-coating zone! Shots are being fired at Aaron Boone, questioning his judgment after just one decision. The frustration is palpable—Boone’s already under fire for what’s perceived as poor handling of the rotation. A sharp and direct critique from a fanbase that expects nothing less than brilliance!
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Could Marcus Stroman be the unexpected hero the Yankees need, or a setup for failure?