Breaking news: The $37 million pitcher claims he is not competing since his future with the Yankees is uncertain.

Marcus Stroman has had a change of heart. Stroman is no longer only playing the character he wants to play, but achieving the result he wants after the drama of his arrival at New York Yankees spring training and his unwillingness to entertain a transfer to the bullpen. “Competing?” Stroman replied. “I don’t believe I’m in any kind of competition. No.” “Results don’t matter because I’m trying to throw 200 innings,” Stroman told reporters after throwing a live batting practice session. “So this is a building point. You’ve got to do all in your abilities to get your body ready throughout this period.

“Neither these games nor these figures are important. I’m going out there with the hopes of giving you at least thirty starts.” Stroman declared “I am a starter” eleven times in ten minutes during his most recent meeting with media. This spring, Stroman made it clear to reporters that he was not vying for a position in the rotation. Stroman could be correct.

It is more likely that he is now trying out for another team. The Yankees’ desire to deal Stroman is currently baseball’s worst-kept secret. Stroman is ranked sixth on the Yankees’ starting pitching depth chart after Max Fried was added this offseason. This winter, they made an attempt but were unsuccessful. Looking to unload his $18.5 million salary for 2025 and avoid the $18.5 million vesting option for 2026, the Yankees are waiting out spring training to see if injuries create opportunities. Stroman got the two-year, $37 million deal last offseason but was pulled out of the rotation in September after a dismal second half. He did not pitch in the playoffs.

In 2024, the 33-year-old made 30 appearances for the Yankees, 29 of which were starts. He had his best ERA since 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 9-10 with a 4.31. Stroman faltered in his final 11 outings, giving up 33 earned runs in 49 2/3 innings after a strong first half in which he posted a 3.31 ERA. The goal of 200 innings would be the first time Stroman has reached that mark since he was 26 years old in 2017. In 2016, he achieved the 200-mark for the second time in his career. He would have pitched well over the required 140 innings to earn the $18.5 million option in his 2026 contract vesting.