Shortly before Sunday’s game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that Marcus Stroman had suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury that’s sidelined him for a month. While the news is a blow to both Stroman and the team, it could work in the Yankees’ favor financially. His two-year, $37 million deal includes an $18 million player option for 2026 if he reaches 140 innings pitched in 2025—a target now unlikely due to his limited innings and the latest setback. Stroman has struggled since joining New York, and although they could use his innings now, avoiding the final year of his contract could save the team from a costly commitment.
Just before Sunday’s game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared that Marcus Stroman experienced a setback in his recovery from a knee injury that’s kept him out for a month. While disappointing for Stroman and the team, the timing of this setback could have an upside. Stroman’s two-year, $37 million contract includes an $18 million player option for 2026 if he logs 140 innings in 2025. After throwing just 9.1 innings this season and now facing more time on the injured list, it’s unlikely he’ll hit that threshold. Stroman underperformed in 2024 and got off to a rough start this season, giving up 12 runs in his first three outings. The Yankees, who had considered moving him to the bullpen or even trading him, now might avoid being locked into another expensive season. While his absence leaves a hole in the rotation, and the team could use his ability to eat innings, there’s some relief in knowing they’re unlikely to be on the hook for that third year.
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