Marcus Stroman "Laughed About" Past Feud with Yankees
The one concern of the New York Yankees' signing of Marcus Stroman has been quickly - and lightheartedly - resolved.
When negotiations between Stroman and the Bronx Bombers were first reported, many Yankee fans were surprised and confused; they had not forgotten a previous feud between the righty and longtime general manager Brian Cashman back in 2019.
During the trade deadline of said year, the Yankees looked to upgrade their pitching and were discussing a trade for Stroman with the Toronto Blue Jays. But Cashman balked at Toronto's asking price (which included All-Star second baseman Gleyber Torres) and ceased negotiations, going on to say that Stroman "wasn't a difference-maker" for the Yankees, who ultimately stayed pat at the deadline.
Stroman, who was traded to the New York Mets instead, was understandably upset by this statement and vented his frustrations with angry Twitter posts that have since been deleted. This also led to occasional arguments with Yankee fans over the next couple of years, which led many to believe that the now 32-year-old would never be in pinstripes.
But on Thursday afternoon, the Long Island native was introduced as a Yankee in a virtual media session, having signed a two-year, $37 million contract that was finalized the previous day. When he was asked about the 2019 trade deadline incident and how he and Cashman patched things up, he answered with a smile.
“It was quick, man. It was quick. We literally laughed about it,” Stroman said. “He let me know his quick little piece about how it didn’t necessarily come out essentially how he wanted it to. He let me know that I was someone who he thought was always gonna be a good competitor, someone who could handle the lights, someone who thrives in the pressure, and that was kind of the ultimate draw."
With Cashman's statement being over four years ago, Stroman considered it water under the bridge when the Yankees GM apologized to him. Cashman spoke to the media after Stroman's introduction, and said that "it was important to check this box and apologize personally".
Stroman already feels like he belongs with the Yankees, having conversations with Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Anthony Rizzo, and Anthony Volpe, all of whom are thrilled to have him aboard. Now, he looks to win the fans over with his play.
"I’d say I’m misunderstood, for sure,” Stroman said about his perception. “That’s another reason why I’m excited to be a Yankee. I think people will have a different view of me after my tenure here. I don’t think Cash, Boonie, or Judge would want me to be a part if they didn’t know my character and how I was as a teammate. So I’m excited. I’m excited for this opportunity.”
Although the Yankees are still pursuing pitching upgrades before the season begins, the signing of Stroman is a major asset. Boasting excellent pitch-to-contact skills, the righty is consistently able to provide length in his starts, something that New York's rotation desperately needed.
Now, the Yankees' latest addition, who has spent his entire career pitching for large-market teams in the Blue Jays, Mets, and Chicago Cubs, is more than motivated to pitch for the team he grew up watching.
“I'm not someone who shies away from the limelight or the pressure or the lights,” Stroman said. “I think a lot of guys would avoid coming to New York and playing for the Yankees because of that reason. I feel like it brings out the best in me.”
