No matter how much the Yankees try to brush it off, the tension with Marcus Stroman is hard to miss. The pitcher has been a no-show for the last two days of spring training, and the Bronx faithful are starting to raise their eyebrows. But what’s even more puzzling? Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s cool-as-ice attitude repeatedly downplays the situation. Is he genuinely confident that Stroman will walk through those clubhouse doors, or is he preparing for an inevitable split?

Either way, this isn’t exactly a good look for the Yankees. Stroman has plenty of reasons to want out, and with his limited playtime last season, his spot in the starting rotation isn’t guaranteed. So, is he quietly pushing for an exit, or is this just a strategic pause to strengthen his bargaining power? The clock is ticking, and the Yankees may not like the answer.

Marcus Stroman is showing a cold shoulder

Stroman is not showing up in the training season, and he reportedly unfollowed the Yankees’ social media handles. What more is needed to prove that something is not right between them? For the uninformed, he ended 2024 with a 4.31 ERA across 154 innings that left him out of action in the postseason, and this year his chance to start is less considering the Yankees have Garret Cole, Max Fried, and a few young rookies. It seems logical to not get with the Yankees anymore. However, is that anything to do with Stroman’s absence from the training? Even though Boone acknowledged that it is getting awkward with Stroman not showing up in the training, he isn’t obligated to show up. The mandatory report date is Feb. 22, per the CBA.

“I knew he might be out the first couple days, but nothing changed with what I said to you guys about how I feel like where he’s at mentally, physically”, said Boone in his update about Stroman. Previously, Boone stated about how they are planning with Stroman and ensuring that he is fit to play this season. The Yankees are seemingly considering Stroman as an injury replacement, and it will just take one injury for Stroman to get to play. Now it’s on to Stroman if he is looking to get into starting rotation only. For Boone, the Yankees are still all with Stroman to get him this year also. 

What lies ahead for the Yankees and Stroman? 

The Yankees are rumored to be open to trading Stroman, which could work out well for him as well. For the Yankees, they can free up $18 million by trading Stroman and can get away from the luxury tax threshold. For those unaware, they are currently $4 million above the threshold, and freeing up $18 million can save them from the penalty. On the other hand, getting to a low-tier team can open the opportunity for Marcus Stroman to start. Hence, the benefits will be two-way, and considering how Stroman is avoiding the Yankees, he should not have any issue with getting traded to a different team. 

While there is no official statement about trading Stroman, the comments from Boone do not offer any such insights. “The biggest thing right now is making sure we’re getting Marcus ready to roll,” Boone said, “and hopefully play a big role for us.” It seems Stroman is still on their radar, and that’s the major reason behind downplaying his recent activities. Fans do hope that despite having tension between the two, it would be good for both to sort it out at the earliest. While the Yankees can be the best team for Stroman in this last minute of the offseason, the team cannot have a better-experienced pitcher to sit behind the starting rotation. 

Time will now answer where this feud will lead. Fans though are confident in Boone’s words about how everything is going fine; it is just that Stroman’s activities need to portray the same. 

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