As a first-place team with legitimate championship aspirations, the New York Yankees are typically the subject of trade deadline buzz centered on high-profile acquisitions before July 31. However, with the team mired in an embarrassing six-game losing streak, conversations have shifted toward potential subtractions from the roster, with embattled starting pitcher Marcus Stroman emerging as a prime candidate.
Stroman, a two-time All-Star, has been sidelined since mid-April with a knee injury and is currently navigating a rocky rehab stint. His latest outing for Double-A Somerset on Wednesday did little to inspire confidence, as he allowed three runs (two earned) over just 3 1/3 innings. Across 6 2/3 minor-league innings, Stroman has surrendered four runs (three earned) and issued three walks, further fueling frustration among Yankees fans already disillusioned by his inconsistent performance and off-field tensions.
Marcus Stroman’s second rehab outing is complete.
Final line: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 4 K pic.twitter.com/dgL1PyMevg
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) June 18, 2025
The 34-year-old pitcher, now in the second year of a two-year, $37 million contract, struggled mightily before his injury, giving up 12 runs over 9 1/3 innings in the majors. His tenure in pinstripes has been marked by inconsistency and public disputes with management over his role, most notably his initial refusal to pitch out of the bullpen during spring training. Despite securing a spot in the Opening Day rotation due to injuries to other pitchers, Stroman’s future with the team remains uncertain, with speculation about a potential move to the bullpen or even a trade before the deadline.
Yankees fans have not held back their criticism, particularly in light of the team’s ongoing offensive slump. “He’s going to get smoked if those are the numbers he is running with the kids,” one fan posted on X, reflecting the sentiment of many. Another added, “They better send this dude packing to somewhere else. Horrible contract.” A third commenter lamented, “Just what the Yankees need in a historic offensive slump—one of the worst pitchers in the league.”
With Stroman eligible for free agency this winter, an extension with the Yankees seems unlikely. As one exasperated fan pleaded, “Get this man away from my baseball organization đŸ˜đŸ˜đŸ˜.” Whether Stroman returns to the rotation, shifts to the bullpen, or finds himself on the trading block, his $37 million contract and lackluster performance have placed him at the center of a potential shake-up as the Yankees look to reverse their fortunes and maintain their championship trajectory.