Marcus Stroman’s time in pinstripes is officially over. After two tumultuous seasons in the Bronx, the New York Yankees finally pulled the plug on the veteran pitcher’s tenure last Friday, just one day after the trade deadline. The 34-year-old right-hander didn’t go quietly into the night, though. Two days after his release, Stroman took to Instagram with a four-word message that left no doubt about where his head is at moving forward.
Why Did the New York Yankees Decide To Release Marcus Stroman?
Stroman’s struggles in the 2025 season made New York’s decision easier. The veteran posted a troubling 6.23 ERA across nine starts, watching his strikeout numbers drop while opponents raked him for a .282 batting average. Despite showing flashes of his old perseverance, it became clear this wasn’t the dominant Stroman who once anchored rotations. The Yankees chose to cut ties rather than continue hoping for a turnaround.
The final straw came after New York got busy at Thursday’s trade deadline, making moves that forced difficult roster decisions. The Yankees bolstered their bullpen by acquiring relievers Camilo Doval, David Bednar, Jake Bird, and utilityman Jose Caballero. All four were activated to the 26-man roster, putting pressure on the front office to make room.
However, it wasn’t just about the bullpen additions. The Yankees also had to navigate their starting rotation situation. With reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil returning Sunday after missing four months with a lat injury, New York suddenly had six starters for five spots. Aside from Stroman, the rotation included Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Will Warren, and Cam Schlittler before Gil’s return.
According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the decision came down to optioning Schlittler to the minors or releasing Stroman outright. New York chose to stick with the rookie, prioritizing youth over the declining performance of their veteran.
The timing also worked against Stroman financially. Had he reached 140 innings this year, he would have unlocked a conditional option for the 2026 season. However, with just 39 innings logged due to injury and performance issues, the Yankees decided to move on early rather than risk triggering that option.
What Was Stroman’s Response to His Release?
On Sunday, Stroman delivered his response to the Yankees’ decision through social media. Taking to Instagram Stories, he posted a simple but telling message against a black background. His story read: “Life is just beginning.”
The message suggests Stroman views his departure from New York as a fresh start rather than an ending. It’s a defiant response from a pitcher who clearly believes his best days aren’t behind him, despite the struggles that led to his release.
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Stroman now enters free agency with his future wide open. While his recent numbers don’t scream frontline starter, his big-game experience still carries value in the marketplace. Teams needing veteran depth for the second-half stretch could show interest in bringing him aboard.
His track record speaks for itself, even after the disappointing New York chapter. Across 11 MLB seasons with four teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and the Yankees, Stroman holds a 90-87 record with a 3.79 ERA in 270 appearances.
Although his time in New York ended on a sour note, Stroman is far from finished. The veteran hopes his next chapter will bring better results and possibly even a late-career resurgence. With his “life is just beginning” mindset, he’s clearly not ready to ride off into the sunset just yet.
