Marcus Stroman could be a free-agent bargain

Marcus Stroman's time with the New York Yankees was an abject disaster.

Signed to a two-year, $37 million contract during the 2024-25 offseason, Stroman was expected to be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter. He was a disappointment in his first year in New York, posting a 4.31 ERA and a 1.468 WHIP over 154.2 innings, striking out 113 batters with 60 walks. Stroman made 30 appearances, including 29 starts, in 2024. While his production did not match his contract, he was a decent back-of-the-rotation starter.

Everything fell apart in 2025. Stroman arrived late to spring training and immediately declared himself a starting pitcher, saying that he refused to pitch in the bullpen. He missed over three months with left knee inflammation and struggled when he was able to pitch for the Yankees, posting a 6.23 ERA and a 1.538 WHIP over 39 innings, striking out 26 batters with 16 walks before he was released on Aug. 1.

Marcus Stroman still showed signs he could be effective after leaving Yankees

Despite his mediocre performance, there were still some encouraging signs. Stroman posted a 48.9 percent ground-ball rate, which was still well above the league average. His 42.5 percent hard-hit rate and 89.1 mph average exit velocity against were in line with his career norms. 

That is not to say that Stroman's peripherals were entirely positive. His 16.4 percent strikeout rate and 8.9 percent walk rate were worse than the league average. Stroman had a 2.9 percent home run rate, still below league average, but worse than his career norms. As Stroman will turn 35 years old during the 2026 season, it is reasonable to wonder how much he has left in the tank.

However, Stroman could still be a bargain in the right scenario. If he signs with a team in a more spacious ballpark and a strong infield defense, he may still be an effective option in the back of a rotation. Stroman is unlikely to cost much on a one-year deal and may even be available on a minor league contract, where he would have to prove himself in spring training. At that price, it could be worthwhile to see if Stroman can rebound in 2026.