Overview

• The Yankees begin spring training with six potential starters, including Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman, but plan to stick with a five-man rotation.
• Marcus Stroman, who joined camp after a brief absence allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, has reiterated his desire to remain a starter and not pitch from the bullpen.
• Stroman’s late arrival and social media activity have fueled speculation about tensions with the Yankees' front office, though manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman have publicly supported him as a starter.
• Stroman’s inconsistent 2024 season, including a strong first half but a disappointing second half, led to his exclusion from the postseason roster, raising questions about his future role.
• Despite fan criticism and trade rumors, Stroman’s durability and past success position him as a valuable asset, with the team emphasizing the importance of depth and flexibility in the rotation.