Most indulge in the past, and the few who let go find a brave new world waiting for them. New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Marcus Stroman are a part of the latter category. Stroman’s deal with the Yankees shocked the world, not only due to its pace but also because of the not-so-great history between the GM and the pitcher. However, the Cold War has given way to a cordial friendship, and Stroman’s recent comments pave the way for an inner layer.

The Spring Training has started in full swing for the Bombers. With the team “hell-bent” on winning the World Series this year, the role of Stroman has become extremely critical. That’s quite a journey for a player who was once deemed a not-so “difference-maker”.

Marcus Stroman finds common ground with Brian Cashman

Calling Brian Cashman an “Incredible human being”, Marcus Stroman recently was full of praises for the Yankees GM. Stroman shared that Cashman’s “Very personable, he’s popping around saying “what’s up?” every day. I feel like he handles his role very different than most people in his position.”

It certainly looks like Stroman and Cashman have buried the hatchet. It’s a long way from 2019 when the two found themselves in the middle of a controversy. At that time, the Yankees GM was inquired why he didn’t trade for Stroman. To this, Cashman replied that Stroman wasn’t a “Difference-maker”. The GM also indicated that even if they traded for Stroman, he’d be a part of their bullpen. 

It rubbed Stroman the wrong way, who immediately posted a few harsh words for the Yankees on his X account. The pitcher wrote, “Besides [Gerrit] Cole, there’s no current Yankee pitcher who will be anywhere in my league over the next 5-7 years,” he then went on to troll the Bombers for going through a drought despite having a massive payroll.

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Moreover, it created a rift between the Yankees and Stroman, a rift few imagined would ever get filled. But never say never in baseball. The situation has changed altogether by now.

New York Yankees ready to turn the page

It was reported that Cashman had apologized for the incident, and the two had a good laugh about it. According to Cashman, he had been trying to apologize directly to Stroman, ever since he first made the comments in 2019. But he finally got the opportunity to do so in 2023. Nonetheless, things are different in the Yankees than they were in 2019. 

The Yankees are coming off a historically subpar season for Cashman. As a result, it has become crucial for him to get the Yankees firing on all cylinders again. So he has turned to Marcus Stroman – the 2023 All-Star. One wonders how the pitcher plans to handle the heavy pressure that the current Bronx Squad brings to the table.

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