The Yankees have reached a two-year, $37 million agreement with free agent right-hander Marcus Stroman to bolster their starting rotation. Stroman, a 32-year-old Long Island native, will join a rotation featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Clarke Schmidt.
Despite making the 2023 NL All-Star team and leading the league in ERA in June, Stroman faded down the stretch with the Cubs, missing significant time with a hip injury. His recent injury history is a concern, but when healthy he has shown an ability to pitch at the front of a rotation.
Stroman adds depth for the Yankees after losing out on top free agent lefties Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. His deal came in lower than industry projections for the pitchers. The Yankees likely had some hesitancy signing Snell long-term after his entire career was spent pitching in smaller markets.
There is some interesting history between Stroman and the Yankees - he previously indicated interest pitching in New York, while GM Brian Cashman once viewed him as more of a bullpen piece. Regardless, he represents the Yankees' final major offseason addition after also reshaping their outfield via trades.