New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman’s future with the team appears increasingly uncertain following comments from pitching coach Matt Blake after Stroman’s recent simulated game. Stroman, who threw 33 pitches over two innings against live hitters on Saturday before the Yankees faced the Los Angeles Dodgers, was described as “really sharp” by manager Aaron Boone. However, Blake’s remarks suggest the team is grappling with tough roster decisions that could see the $18.5 million star sidelined or even moved out of the rotation entirely.
“We’ve got five starters currently, so you’re starting to talk about roster decisions,” Blake told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “You want to give yourself as much information as possible to get to that point and make sure he’s ready to go. Then we’ll have a better idea of where it all fits together.”
Stroman, who has been vocal about his reluctance to shift to the bullpen, has had a challenging 2025 season. After entering the year as an extra starter due to trade rumors last winter, he stepped into the rotation when injuries struck key pitchers like Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery), Luis Gil (strained lat), and Clarke Schmidt, who faced delays in spring training. However, Stroman’s performance has been shaky, posting an 11.57 ERA in limited starts before landing on the injured list with knee inflammation.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have thrived in his absence. Ryan Yarbrough has capably filled the fifth starter role, Schmidt has returned to full health, and rookie Will Warren is beginning to establish himself. This depth has reduced the urgency to rush Stroman back into the rotation.
Complicating matters is Stroman’s contract, which includes a vesting option for 2026 worth $18.5 million if he reaches 140 innings pitched this season. His time on the injured list has made that target unlikely, potentially making him a more attractive trade candidate as a veteran innings-eater—if his knee proves healthy.
Recent speculation from New York Post columnist Joel Sherman has further fueled doubts about Stroman’s long-term future with the Yankees. Blake’s cautious comments about slowly building Stroman’s pitch count and monitoring his knee’s response suggest the team is treating his recovery like a spring training rebuild, casting doubt on a swift return. “We’re building the pitch count up a little bit, making sure the knee is responding well,” Blake said.
With the Yankees’ rotation stabilizing and Stroman’s role unclear, the once-key starter may face a drastic demotion—or even an exit from the team altogether.