TAMPA — Marcus Stroman, whom the Yankees have tried to trade through the offseason, has not participated in the first two days of on-field pitcher and catcher drills.
By collective bargaining agreement rule, the mandatory report date is Feb. 22. But a person familiar with Stroman’s thinking said the expectation is that he will report before the first full-squad workout on Monday, perhaps as early as Friday or Saturday. The source also said Stroman is not staying away as a protest.
Stroman was at Steinbrenner Field early this week to take the mandatory physicals.
Aaron Boone reported the two had a convivial conversation and that Stroman was in good spirits and also in good physical condition.
Stroman lives in the Tampa area and is known as a hard worker off the field. But it has been difficult to miss his absence from drills, when some starters are already throwing live batting practice sessions.
Boone, always publicly tactful, has refused to describe anyone as the odd-man out of the rotation.
But the Yankee starting five, with health, is almost certain to be Gerritt Cole, Max Fried, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt.
An injury — as beset Cole in spring last year — would elevate Stroman to the rotation if he is not traded.
The Yankees are currently projected for about $305 million for luxury tax purposes — or roughly $4 million under the top tier with 110 percent levies. Other clubs are indicating the Yankees want to move as much as Stroman’s $18 million salary before adding further — if they are indeed still even currently shopping.
But that is complicated.
Stroman turns 34 in May and is seen as a polarizing player by at least a few other teams. He had a strong first half last year, but faltered down the stretch, similarly to 2023 when he was injured with the Cubs.
Even with Nick Pivetta agreeing Wednesday with the Padres, there are still other veteran free agent starters such as Kyle Gibson, Andrew Heaney and Lance Lynn still available. And Stroman has an $18 million vesting option for 2026 if he reaches 140 innings in 2025.
Therefore, if the Yankees were to trade Stroman — if they can trade Stroman — the Yankees likely will have to either take on a contract of some heft or eat a portion of Stroman’s deal.
