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A Veteran's Injury Setback Could Save Yankees $18 Million

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 12, 2025 9:00 AM ET

After a month on the injured list with a knee issue, Marcus Stroman is still feeling discomfort and not nearing a return to the New York Yankees’ rotation. While the rotation is stretched thin right now, they have been getting by with strong spot starts by Ryan Yarbrough.

And as MLB Trade Rumors points out, Stroman’s delayed return will make it hard for him to reach the 140 innings needed for his 2026 option to vest. That could save the Yankees $18.5 million next year and, more importantly, a roster spot.

Aaron Boone told reporters on Sunday that Stroman still felt discomfort in his left knee during a simulated game this week. The rule of thumb for pitchers is that for however long they are down with an injury, it takes them just as long to ramp up to return.

The Yankees cannot expect Stroman back in the rotation until June now.

Stroman was initially brought in as a depth arm, not a long-term fixture. The Yankees even explored trading him this past winter, both to clear salary and because, at the time, Stroman wasn’t seen as one of their top five starters. He insisted on staying in the rotation and injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil made room.

He pitched to an 11.57 ERA with seven walks and seven strikeouts in 9 ⅓ innings this year over three starts.

After signing a two-year $37-million deal (with the option for 2026) last offseason, Stroman made 30 appearances, including 29 starts for the Yankees in 2024. He went 9-10 with a 4.31 ERA, his highest since 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays. After a decent first half, posting a 3.31 ERA, Stroman blew up in his last 11 appearances, allowing 33 earned runs in 49 ⅔ innings. He did not appear in the Yankees’ playoff run to the World Series.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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