The New York Yankees and their need for a good starting pitching went hand in hand this off-season. While Yoshinobu Yamamoto dominated the headlines as the most suitable fit for the Yanks, they went the other way. Any regrets? Perhaps there would’ve been had they not bagged the veteran right-hander – Marcus Stroman. 

This man with a championship pedigree carries a personality that could overpower the pomp and show off the enigmatic Japanese ace. No doubt, he had a dominant season in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). But the fact that the Yankees opted for Stroman on a two-year, $37 million deal, left many wondering. Did NYY just dodge a $325 million bullet by not signing Yoshi? 

Marcus Stroman vs. Yoshinobu Yamamoto – Whose Numbers Look Better?

There was massive news surrounding Yamamoto when he signed a record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But his Spring Training stats might put all that noise in question. While spring training stats shouldn’t be taken as gospel, they can offer a glimpse into a pitcher’s form and potential for the upcoming season. That said, comparing Stroman and Yamamoto becomes inevitable. Did the Yankees make the right call or will they regret not having signed the Japanese import?

The 31-year-old Stroman recorded a respectable 3.60 ERA in 15.0 innings this year spring. Having struck out 12 batters he walked just 3, showcasing his control. These numbers are a direct reflection of Stroman’s words materializing. It’s not just his numbers but also his words that shed light on the optimistic path for the Yankees. 

Early this month he said, as per mlb.com, “I’m very confident in the work that I’ve put in my entire life, so I go out to the mound very confident. I don’t think anyone goes out as confident as I do, and it’s just because I know I’m prepared. I know there’s nothing more that I can do away from the field.” That creates a segue into understanding Yamamoto’s play. 

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Yamamoto, 25, had a shaky spring of sorts with the Dodgers. He tossed 12.0 innings, accumulating a 4.50 ERA with 10 strikeouts and 5 walks. On one hand, his raw talent is undeniable. On the other, there were questions about his ability to adjust to Major League Baseball hitting after dominating in Japan. The two spaces are quite different in nature after all. Yamamoto understands that the level of competition here is different and with that comes more stringent preparation. But is he ready? 

Read More : Dodgers Star Yoshinobu Yamamoto Opens Up on Disaster Debut, Pinpoints Major Issue Ahead of Next Outing

Fans Address the New York Yankees’ Bet On Marcus Stroman

Now, that’s an ambiguity the Yankees cannot afford right now given their current situation. Especially given the Yanks’ current situation with Gerrit Cole unavailable for Opening Day, all eyes will be on ‘Stro’. Fans are willing to take Stroman’s side rather than that of the unproven MLB arms of Yamamoto. 

One fan was pro Stroman.

The lingering concerns about when Gerrit Cole will be back continues to exist.

Amid wondering when their star ace will be back, they highlighted Yamamoto’s sub-par performance.

More fans made bold predictions

There were fans who even questioned if the Dodgers would make it to the playoffs.

Speaking of spring training numbers, it is important to understand that they are a small sample of what may or may not happen in the regular season. While making definitive comparisons is difficult, Stroman’s experience and control have been evidently proven evident. Yamamoto, despite displaying flashes of brilliance has not been able to consistently show what he’s really got.

Read More : Yankees’ Margin for Error in 2024 Shrinks Dramatically Without Ace Gerrit Cole

With that, only time will tell if the Yankees have anything at all to regret by losing out on the $325 million star.