Stroman Gets Dumped

Well, obviously—obviously—it makes total sense to release a starting pitcher when your team only has, oh, two actual reliable ones left. Right? Max Fried and Carlos Rodón are carrying the rotation like it’s a backpack full of bricks, Marcus Stroman is… well, was… at least a warm body, and now the Yankees have officially decided: “You know what we don’t need? Starting pitching depth.”

Yes, this is sarcasm. Heavy sarcasm. Because the Yankees, fresh off the wild chaos of the trade deadline where they acquired everything except a legitimate starter, decided now thay iy was the perfect time to release Marcus Stroman.

That’s right, Stroman’s Bronx tale has officially closed. (I’m actually happy.)

After missing two months with a knee injury, Stroman returned to the mound Thursday against the Rays. He picked up the win, which sounds nice until you peek at the box score and realize he also gave up four runs on six hits in five innings. That brought his season ERA to a robust 6.23. A true masterclass in mediocrity. He finishes his 2025 Yankees season with a 3-2 record over nine starts. Or, as we call it in the Bronx: meh with a side of ugh.

Now, let’s talk feelings. Because I’ll be honest—I never wanted Marcus Stroman on the Yankees. But weirdly? I respected the guy for wanting it so badly. He wore his desire to don pinstripes like a badge of honor. He was passionate. He was fiery. He was emotional. He was also, let’s face it, kinda a diva. It’s been a love/hate thing for many of us. I rooted for him because he wanted it. But I also never really trusted him on the mound. Stroman was the guy you hoped would figure it out, but deep down, you clutched your rosary every time he pitched.

And now? He’s gone. And honestly, it feels like a mutual breakup. Stroman probably didn’t want to be part of this circus anymore. The front office likely didn’t want to deal with him. And we fans? Who knows at this point.

Let’s not forget the economics here: Stroman signed a 2-year, $37 million deal with the Yankees before the 2024 season, including a conditional $18 million vesting option for 2026 if he hit 140 innings this year. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t going to hit it. And clearly, Brian Cashman decided he wasn’t even worth a bullpen seat while they attempt to duct tape this pitching staff together for the stretch run. Plus, we just got like 9 pen guys… we good.

To recap: The Yankees needed starting pitching. They didn’t get starting pitching. And then they released one of the few guys who at least technically counts as starting pitching.

The logic is flawless. Just ask the same front office that thinks “we’re better today than yesterday” even though yesterday, we had one more starting pitcher.

So, farewell Marcus Stroman. You were never boring. You weren’t quite good. But you gave us something to talk about, and apparently, that was enough—until it wasn’t.