MLB Rumors: Marcus Stroman Almost Signed With Rebuilding Team Over Yankees

April 03, 2024 , , ,

In a big decision this offseason, Marcus Stroman, the coveted right-handed free agent, found himself at a crossroads between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals.

Despite ultimately signing a two-year, $37M deal with the Yankees, the Royals' earnest interest and their pitch to make him the cornerstone of their pitching staff nearly convinced Stroman to sign with Kansas City, according to Pat Ragazzo.

The Royals' pitching philosophy and promise of leadership opportunities hinted at a potential departure from Stroman's Long Island roots, yet the allure of pitching in his hometown of New York City proved irresistible, aligning with a childhood dream nurtured by years of watching the Yankees from afar.

Stroman's close call with the Royals underscored the tantalizing alternative he pondered to become the team's ace starter before ultimately choosing the Yankees.

Despite the Royals' efforts and their emphasis on his potential prominence within their roster, Stroman's allegiance to the Yankees prevailed. By joining the Bronx Bombers, Stroman solidified his role as the team's No. 2 starter, stepping into the void left by Gerrit Cole's injury absence.

In one start with the Yankees so far, the 33-year-old went six innings, allowing three runs (0 earned), four hits, two walks, and four strikeouts to earn the win over the Houston Astros.

Over the last three seasons, Stroman has pitched to a 3.45 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, with 396 strikeouts across 454.1 innings and 85 appearances.

His tenure with the Yankees is off to a solid start and he'll look to continue the success he found last year with the Chicago Cubs, where he was named an All-Star for the second time in his nine-year MLB career. Photo Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports



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