Marcus Stroman DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman will start the team's first Grapefruit League game on Friday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays, per manager Aaron Boone. As things currently stand, the veteran Stroman is on the outside looking in for an Opening Day starting rotation spot, but the 33-year-old said last week that he doesn't plan on pitching in a relief role. Clarke Schmidt is dealing with a "cranky back," which could open up a rotation spot, but he also has plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day. Stroman went 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with only 113 strikeouts in 154 2/3 innings over 30 outings (29 starts) in his first year in the Bronx in 2024. His 16.7 percent strikeout rate was the worst of his career, and his velocity was also noticeably down. Stroman has always been a ground-ball artist, but a rebound is unlikely at his age, and finding a starter's workload could be a challenge.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman told reporters that he won't be pitching out of the bullpen. The two-time All-Star has made it clear that he's a starting pitcher and he has no desire to pitch out of the bullpen for the Yankees. As of right now, Stroman is on the outside looking in considering the Yankees already have five capable starters. The team hasn't made any announcements about possibly shifting to a six-man rotation, so it's safe to assume that's not on the table right now. The Yankees have been attempting to trade Stroman, but a $18.3 million option for the 2026 season is getting in the way. Stroman would certainly be the "next man up" if someone gets hurt, but they don't want to pay $18.5 million to a depth pitcher. Fantasy managers might want to push Stroman down on their draft boards as this certain continues to look murky as it goes on.

New York Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman has yet to report to spring training. Stroman technically doesn't have to report to camp until Feb. 22, but his absence is noteworthy with the rest of the team's pitchers and catchers having reported. The 33-year-old could be making a statement after the Yankees moved him to the bullpen late last year and then signed lefty Max Fried to an eight-year deal in the offseason. As things stand now, Stroman will likely be on the outside looking in for a rotation spot if New York rolls with a five-man rotation to start the 2025 season. In his first year in the Bronx, Stroman went 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA (4.62 FIP), 1.47 WHIP and 113:60 K:BB in 154 2/3 innings over 30 outings (29 starts). His strikeout rate fell to a career-worst 16.7% and also saw his velocity dip. A rebound at his age is unlikely, especially if he's relegated to a long-relief role.