TEAM-NEWS: Yankees Star Blasts ‘Clickbait’ Media and Trade Rumors: “Loudest Talk from the Smallest Minds!”

New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman isn’t holding back when it comes to the ongoing trade rumors and his uncertain role with the team. After his Friday press conference, Stroman took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Yankees reporters. When questioned about his brief holdout—arriving late to camp after missing the first two workouts—and the possibility of pitching out of the bullpen, Stroman fired back, accusing the media of “trying to make a story out of absolutely nothing.”

Stroman also responded to a tweet from WFAN radio host Keith McPherson, who posted a photo of Stroman and his son. The two-time All-Star shared that he hadn’t spent much time with his son during the offseason. McPherson downplayed the absence, and Stroman responded, “You know how it is my brother…Loudest talk from the smallest minds always.” His frustration with the media was evident, as he further accused reporters of engaging in “clickbait journalism” and stirring up unnecessary drama to turn fans against him. “We were all laughing about it today in the clubhouse,” he added.

Amid trade rumors and competition for a spot in the Yankees’ rotation, Stroman made it clear he doesn’t plan to change roles. The Yankees recently added former Atlanta Braves standout Max Fried, which likely means Stroman won’t be in the rotation to start the season. He firmly stated, “I’m a starter. I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter,” emphasizing that he has no intention of being a reliever.

With Stroman’s $18 million salary this season and a potential $18 million for 2026 if he hits 140 innings pitched, his financial commitment to the Yankees could keep him in New York. Stroman pitched 154.2 innings last year, and the team might be forced to either trade him or use him in another capacity, especially given the competition for spots in the rotation.

Despite the trade rumors swirling around him, Stroman remains determined to pitch as a starter, unwilling to embrace a bullpen role. His response to the media and the trade speculation highlights his frustration with both the rumors and the way his situation is being handled by the press.