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USA Today via Reuters
May 3, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) hands the ball to manager Aaron Boone (17) after being relieved during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
May 3, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) hands the ball to manager Aaron Boone (17) after being relieved during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
If there’s one thing Marcus Stroman isn’t afraid of, it’s speaking his mind—especially when it comes to the Yankees. In a league where PR-polished responses are the norm, Stroman’s unfiltered honesty feels like a breath of fresh air… or a grenade in a boardroom. And this time, Yankees GM Brian Cashman found himself squarely in Stroman’s crosshairs. With just five words, the pitcher delivered a reality check so sharp it probably left Cashman reaching for the nearest antacid.
After all the drama, looks like Marcus Stroman is back with the New York Yankees. But the peace was short-lived. Stroman had some words for the Yankees GM, Brian Cashman. This comes after Cashman and Stroman went back and forth. Marcus Stroman seemingly wants to be a starting pitcher for the Yankees. And he made sure that it was clear to everyone.
Marcus Stroman said, “You think me saying I’m a starter is, I’m a starter. That’s like me making the most basic brief statement. I’ve been a starter my entire career. Go look at the numbers. How many people can stay healthy and do it 30 close starts year after year after year, especially after being the one that they said could never do it at my size? I’m a starter.”
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Marcus Stroman pushed back when asked if his "I'm a starter" statement is a message to Brian Cashman
"That's me making the most basic, brief statement. Go look at the numbers. How many people can stay healthy and do it 30+ starts year after year. I'm a starter" pic.twitter.com/v7fYANMU4d
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 14, 2025
Many of the fans think that Stroman either wants to be a starter or wants to be traded where he feels important. He has been a starting pitcher for the most part of his career and has made that position his own. We can look at the numbers which will provide us the proof. Throughout his career, Marcus Stroman has had an ERA of 3.72 with 1204 strikeouts. These numbers are a dream for many other players.
If Marcus Stroman’s career numbers don’t scream “starter,” then maybe we’re all reading baseball stats wrong. In a league where consistency is currency, Stroman’s been quietly cashing in every season. Put him on the mound, and you’re getting one of the best in the business—whether critics like it or not.
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Bronx Breakdown: Can Marcus Stroman solve Yankees’ pitching puzzle?
The New York Yankees, a franchise synonymous with championships and deep pockets, continue to face a problem money alone can’t fix: pitching consistency. Despite assembling star-studded lineups year after year, the Bronx Bombers’ Achilles’ heel remains their inability to solidify a reliable starting rotation. Enter Marcus Stroman, a proven starter with a chip on his shoulder and numbers that speak louder than any press conference soundbite.
The comments from Marcus Stroman demonstrate his determination to start games, which introduces new complications to the current pitching situation at Yankees Stadium. Stroman proved his worth in professional baseball through his 3.72 career ERA and more than 1,200 professional strikeouts. If Yankees’ management does not firmly place him as the starting pitcher, they risk revealing their organizational internal inconsistency. Pitchers at the Yankees have experienced a constant shuffle because the team continues searching for the perfect fit. Stroman brought his talent to the Yankees with the intention of permanently starting games in the rotation.
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The problem extends beyond Stroman. As an elite pitcher, Gerrit Cole lacks the ability to shoulder the entire pitching responsibility. The New York Yankees maintain a rotation instability because they place their faith in temporary pitchers they acquire during the season. Stroman insists on starting games because his standpoint illustrates how the Yankees must address their unreliable pitching staff. To recover their past achievements, the Yankees need to start putting serious focus on pitching.
Until the Yankees prioritize pitching and trust proven arms like Stroman, their World Series aspirations will remain just that—aspirations. Stroman’s call-out might sting, but maybe it’s the wake-up call the Yankees need. After all, when one of your own pitchers is questioning your plan, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the strategy before another season slips away.
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Debate
Is Marcus Stroman the missing piece in the Yankees' pitching puzzle, or just another temporary fix?
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Is Marcus Stroman the missing piece in the Yankees' pitching puzzle, or just another temporary fix?
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