Marcus Stroman Key to Yankees’ World Series Aspirations? New York Native Set to Exceed Expectations

Marcus Stroman is probably the most surprising acquisition of the New York Yankees in the past few years. Ever since 2019, there has been some bad blood between the Pinstripes and Stroman because of the comments of Brian Cashman. So this union was the last thing on everyone’s mind, but then calm heads prevailed. But now, can he prove to be the one player that the Yankees have always needed?

Likewise, the circumstances of Stroman’s signing aren’t hidden from anyone. The Bronx Bombers initially wanted Blake Snell, but after the ace rejected their offer, Stroman became the one they pivoted to. The fact that the deal happened so fast indicates that the Bombers had a firm opinion of Stroman. But now comes the hard part – living up to expectations!

Marcus Stroman – the breakout star?

Calling Stroman a breakout star is a little weird, as the pitcher has exceeded expectations since the beginning of his career. He has played in the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets, but the Yankees are a different beast. Apart from having the pressure of being a Yankee, he also has to deal with the thought of being a part of the team trying to end a 14-year drought. So, can he break out? According to Courtney Bono of Empire Writes Back – Yes, he can!

Moreover, the writer included Stroman in a list of four Yankees that can break out in 2024. The reasons for putting Stroman are simple – his exceptional consistency. The pitcher has had four consecutive sub-4 ERA years. In addition, in 2023, Stroman was named an All-Star and delivered a 10-9 record. So it isn’t hard to predict that he might have a good season for the Yankees as well.

The only issue is that Stroman faltered a little by the end of the season. However, it was a time when nearly the whole Chicago Cubs collapsed, so one wonders how much of Stroman’s struggles were related to that. On the other hand, in the past three seasons, Stroman has consistently started over 25 games. For the Yankees, who suffered from injury troubles last season, this is a massive number.

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That brings us to why the Yankees need Stroman to perform well – they want the World Series, but the lineup is still shaky.

The New York Yankees still look a little rusty 

Yes, the Yankees have shown up to Spring Training relatively healthy. Barring a repeat of last Spring Training, the Bombers will enter the season at full strength. However, one cannot expect Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes Jr. to get back to their best immediately. Things take time before they heat up. During this complex phase, Stroman is the one who will have to step up. 

So, it becomes doubly important for the pitcher to be in his best form. If one goes by Spring Training reports, Stroman knows that fact as well. Will Stroman perform well? Of course, but is he that missing piece? Guess we’ll find out soon.

Read more: Once Controversial, Marcus Stroman’s Nostalgic ‘98 Yankees Homage Continues Charming Fans