Yankees Release Veteran Starter Marcus Stroman Amid Rotation Shakeup

The New York Yankees released veteran starting pitcher Marcus Stroman after a disappointing 2025 season marked by a 6.23 ERA in nine starts and a knee injury that limited him to 39 innings. The team made the move to activate reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil from the injured list and to rely on younger pitchers Will Warren and Cam Schlittler in the rotation. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that the decision was partly due to the readiness of these younger arms and the expectation of further roster moves. Despite Stroman's $37 million contract, which includes an $18 million player option for 2026 that he cannot now meet, the Yankees chose to absorb the remaining salary to improve their pitching staff. This decision coincided with significant bullpen upgrades at the trade deadline, including the acquisitions of closers David Bednar and Camilo Doval, and reliever Jake Bird, aiming to strengthen the team's pitching for the remainder of the season. Stroman responded to his release with a brief social media message, signaling his readiness to explore opportunities with other contenders.