Updated Post – Jan. 11 at 8:47 PM
Sources tell own own Mike Mayer that the New York Yankees have signed Marcus Stroman. The former Mets right-hander opted out of his deal with the Cubs after being an All-Star in 2023.
It’s expected to be a two-year deal worth $18.5 million per year and has an option for a third year.
Original Post – Jan. 10 at 9:40 AM
The Mets are not the only team in town looking to solidify their starting pitching prior to the start of spring training.
The Yankees, similar to the Mets, seeking to rebound after a failed attempt to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto, have emerged as the favorite to sign free agent pitcher Marcus Stroman, MLB Network reported on Wednesday.
In 2023, Stroman was an All-Star for the second time (2019 was his previous honor) for the Cubs, posting a record of 10-9 with a 3.95 ERA in 136.2 innings over 27 games (25 starts).
Overall, in eight full MLB seasons, he is 77-76 with a 3.65 ERA.
A native of Medford, New York and graduate of Patchogue-Medford High School, Stroman was drafted by Toronto 22nd overall in the 2012 MLB Draft.
The Mets acquired Stroman from the Blue Jays on July 28, 2019, for Anthony Kay, their 2016 first-round pick, and Simeon Woods-Richardson, their 2018 second-round pick. Brodie Van Wagenen, the Mets general manager at the time, viewed Stroman as a hedge if Zack Wheeler left the team as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2019 season, which ended up occurring.
Stroman reportedly was not initially pleased with his trade to the Mets, hoping to land with the Yankees or another contender. But Stroman settled down, settled in, and performed well for the Mets in 2019 (4-2. 3.77 ERA, 11 starts, 59.2 innings) and 2021 (10-13, 3.02 ERA, 33 starts, 179 innings). He exercised his COVID-19 opt-out for the 2020 season.
Stroman signed as a free agent with the Cubs following the 2021 season.
