Marcus Stroman Putting Yankees In Difficult Spot

Marcus Stroman didn't get to where he is by not believing in himself. In fact, that's his motto. But his stubborn mentality and bluster has also caused problems on his teams in the past, and it's rearing its ugly head big-time at New York Yankees camp this spring.

First, he reported to camp a couple of days late, and now, he's insisting, despite not being one of the Yankees' listed five starters, that he is, without a doubt (in his mind) a starting pitcher, and he refuses to go to the bullpen.

Marcus Stroman was asked about the possibility of moving to the bullpen:

"I'm a starter. I won't pitch in the bullpen. I'm a starter" pic.twitter.com/M0N1kJGza2
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 14, 2025

In an incident reminiscent of Allen Iverson's famous "We're talkin' about practice?!" routine, Stroman claimed he was a starter seven times in 17 seconds in this exchange with a reporter, plus the obligatory "I won't pitch in the bullpen."

He also claimed that his relationship with both manager Aaron Boone and his teammates is all good, though we wonder how the relievers—who, of course, pitch out of the bullpen—might feel about Stroman dissing their jobs.

As for GM Brian Cashman, he made it sound like he wasn't surprised by how Stroman feels.

Brian Cashman was asked about Marcus Stroman's "I'm a starter. I won't pitch in the bullpen" comments:

"That's vintage Stro. He's a competitor. And I agree with him, he is a starter. Let's just see how everything plays out" pic.twitter.com/d6uObEyOcu
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) February 14, 2025

"That's vintage Stro. He's a competitor," said Cashman. "He's fought his way up pro ball and been a helluva starter for quite some time... I agree with him, he is a starter. So let's see how everything plays out. There are a lot of twists and turns and winding roads before you get to opening day."

Stroman's latest drama is certainly nothing new, and in one form or another, has pretty taken place (without the bullpen angle) in every place he's been in the majors.

Marcus Stroman cycle

1. New team, falls in love, makes fans think he will never leave , love him to death

2. Starts to pitch bad, fans get angry

3. Stroman becomes a bitch, becomes a pain in the ass

4. Traded, “lifelong dream” of being on a team was a lie https://t.co/owsolwp6vM
— los (@LosTwinsFan) February 14, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays, the New York Mets, the Chicago Cubs and now the New York Yankees and all of their fans all are familiar with the routine.

Stroman posted a 4.31 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with the Bronx Bombers last season, both his worst marks in six years.

The 34-year-old is signed through 2026 at an AAV of $18 million.

He has a career 3.72 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP.