Yankees Release Veteran Starting Pitcher Following Busy Deadline

Stroman pitched on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays, where his outing was another typical day. The Yankees did grab a 7-4 win over the Rays, although Stroman was not the sharpest. 

The right-hander allowed six hits, four earned runs, and struck out three batters in just five innings of work. He threw 74 pitches, and 49 of those were strikes. This spiked his ERA to an unacceptable 6.23. 

Marcus Stroman Released by Yankees

Stroman and the Yankees were meant to be by story; the right-hander grew up on Long Island. Toronto ultimately did not work out for the veteran pitcher, nor did Chicago, or even Queens. Stroman was destined to be in pinstripes. 

The Yankees took a leap of faith with a short commitment to the right-hander. In 2024, he marked a .526 win percentage with the club. He finished with a 4.31 ERA in 154 2/3 innings of work. 

This season, he’s only thrown 39 innings. This is due to injury and the Yankees’ trust, or lack thereof, in the starting pitcher. Brian Cashman needed to find a role for him, and they’ve considered short and long relief. This was not sufficient for the Yankees. 

Another part of the decision to let Stroman go is the impending return of Luis Gil. He is expected back from the injured list in the upcoming weeks, and this moves Stroman out of any rotational role. The Yankees were strategic with this move.

The right-hander Stroman has $18 million left on his contract, which the Yankees will absorb. The $18 million for 2026 would have depended on Stroman pitching 140 innings-plus, which did not happen. 

The stressful tenure for Stroman has ended, and the right-handed starter will be back on the market, as the Yankees reunite with the rehabbing Gil.