Yankees' $18 Million Countdown Starts With Every Pitch Marcus Stroman Throws

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 2:03 PM ET

Marcus Stroman has $18 million reasons to rack up innings for the New York Yankees in 2025, but he insists he isn't considering it. After a drama-filled start to spring, in which he came to camp disgruntled and later than other pitchers and having been on the trading block all winter, Stroman said he isn’t thinking about his future in baseball beyond 2025.

If Stroman reaches 140 innings this season, he'll trigger an $18 million vesting option for 2026, ensuring another year in pinstripes. Given the Yankees' rotation being hit hard by injuries, he's now locked in as a key starter for much, if not all, of the season. Still, when asked by NJ.com's Max Goodman if the innings threshold is on his mind, Stroman dismissed the idea.

"No, I don't know when I'll be done playing baseball," Stroman said. "I'm very present and very grateful. I know I don't have that many more years left, so I'm just trying to be grateful and be present."

That mindset will be tested as the season unfolds.

Stroman had an up-and-down first year in New York, starting strong before fading in the second half. Over his first 12 starts, he posted an impressive 2.60 ERA, holding opposing hitters to a .218 batting average and a .678 OPS. However, he struggled over his final 18 outings, finishing with a 5.70 ERA. Hitters teed off against him for a .319 average and .853 OPS.

Stroman has blamed bad luck for his struggles, citing his BABIP (Batting Average on Balls in Play) going from .247 to .356 throughout the season. That BABIP suggests poor defensive support or the ball getting through holes.

Still, other statistics were concerning. His strikeout rate, whiff rate, and pitch velocity all suggest an expected decline in an aging pitcher. There was a reason the Yankees didn't use him in the playoffs despite his experience.

New York made defensive upgrades this offseason, which could help Stroman's fortunes. But if he struggles again, the Yankees will face a dilemma. Do they want him in their 2026 rotation at an $18 million price tag?

For now, Stroman insists he's not thinking about it. But come September, that 140-inning mark might be impossible to ignore.

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

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