Aaron Boone knows it’s a bad look that Marcus Stroman has skipped the first two on-field workouts for pitchers and catchers at Yankees spring training this week.
The manager said Thursday that he wants Stroman at camp, seeing how this can add to the noise surrounding Stroman’s role and the trade rumors that have been swirling.
But Boone maintains that this won’t change Stroman’s readiness — on and off the field — for the rest of camp and eventually, the regular season.
He also pointed out that Stroman is within his rights to be a no-show. All players are not required, by the current collective bargaining agreement, to participate in workouts until February 22.
“I had an idea when we talked that he might be out the first couple days, but nothing changed with what I said to you guys about how I feel where he’s at, mentally and physically,” Boone said Thursday. “I certainly get how it all looks with the noise around it this winter. The reality is this is something that is under CBA [rules] and you see it [used] over time.”
Stroman reported to camp with the rest of his teammates on Tuesday, but hasn’t been back since then. Boone did not specify why Stroman has been skipping workouts. He wants the starting pitcher to speak for himself when he arrives. Although, Boone did insist that this has nothing to do with Stroman’s spot on the Yankees' depth chart and the possibility that he (and his expensive $18 million contract for this season) could be moved before Opening Day. He doesn’t believe it’s a result of the pitcher’s dissatisfaction with the organization.
“This is a guy that’s been an outstanding pitcher in this league for a long time with a lot of pride,” Boone said. “I don’t feel any animus between he and I and I’m confident and comfortable that he’s ready to come in here and to do his job at a high level.”
Boone has reiterated in the past that Stroman can still be a valuable piece within the Yankees' pitching staff in 2025, but unless somebody gets hurt, he’s not going to factor into the rotation. He’s currently the Yankees’ No. 6 starter after Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt.
“Obviously I want all our players here clearly,” Boone said. “That said, I am again comfortable with where he’s at, physically, mentally. It’s a prideful player, it’s a guy that’s had a great career where it’s a little bit of an awkward situation obviously. Of course I want him here and I’m trying to keep nudging him to get here. But again, you also have to respect the fact that this is something that players are allowed to do. There is a mandatory date, and he’s choosing that right now.”
Asked if Boone thinks this could be an issue in the Yankees' clubhouse as spring training continues, Boone said he plans on paying close attention to it.
“Stro’s a guy that was an integral part of not only between the lines, but in the room last year, and I think built some really strong relationships in that room that he’s earned,” he said. “Hopefully that continues. We’ll address things as we need to.”
