TAMPA, Fla., Feb 15 (V7N) – New York Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman made it clear on Friday that he has no interest in pitching out of the bullpen, despite uncertainty about his role heading into the 2025 MLB season.

"I'm a starter," Stroman emphasized multiple times when speaking to reporters at Yankees camp. "I won’t pitch in the bullpen. I’m a starter. I'm a starter."

Stroman, who turns 34 in May, may not have a guaranteed spot in the Yankees' starting five following the team's offseason acquisition of ace Max Fried. The current projected rotation includes:

Gerrit Cole
Max Fried (signed from free agency)
Carlos Rodón
Clarke Schmidt
Luis Gil (reigning AL Rookie of the Year)

The Yankees also traded Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee for closer Devin Williams, further solidifying their bullpen but narrowing competition for rotation spots.

When asked about the possibility of being traded, Stroman maintained his confidence.

"Nothing can really faze me," he said. "I know who I am as a pitcher. I can compete at any level with any team. If I'm here, if I'm not here, my body is ready to roll. I'm ready to go out there and give 30-plus starts."
Aaron Boone on a Six-Man Rotation

Yankees manager Aaron Boone was asked whether the team might consider a six-man rotation to accommodate Stroman.

"Never say never. I mean, I don’t necessarily see us doing that, but we’ll see where we’re at," Boone said.
Stroman's 2024 Performance

Stroman signed with New York ahead of the 2024 season, making 29 starts in 30 appearances. He posted a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA, 113 strikeouts, and 60 walks over 154 2/3 innings. However, the Yankees did not use him in the playoffs, as they advanced to the World Series before losing to the Dodgers in five games.
Stroman owns a career 87-85 record with a 3.72 ERA, two shutouts, and 1,204 strikeouts over 261 appearances (252 starts) for the:

Toronto Blue Jays (2014-19)
New York Mets (2019, 2021)
Chicago Cubs (2022-23)
New York Yankees (2024-present)

With Spring Training in full swing, Stroman’s future in pinstripes remains uncertain—but one thing is clear: he won’t accept a bullpen role without a fight.

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