"He has the most confidence in that room right now!" - MLB analyst sings Marcus Stroman's praises, urges 2X All-Star to be expressive with YankeesÂ
According to multiple sources around the MLB, free agent pitcher Marcus Stroman has agreed to a two-year, $37 million deal with the New York Yankees, which has an option for a third year. The Yankees needed pitching help and Stroman fits the bill, but the team is expected to be in the market for another pitcher in addition.
The signing has been well received by most around the league, and one such person was analyst Eduardo Perez, a former player and coach turned analyst.
He spoke on "The Leadoff Spot" on MLB Network Radio and was bullish about the signing:
"Here comes a guy who probably has the most confidence in that room right now! Marcus Stroman has always played with that chip on his shoulder and understood who has been since college too. ... This is one guy that, if healthy, they need him in a major way.
"He has to be himself, he cannot be very stoic. ... This guy has to play with emotion, he is better when he plays with emotion."
It will be interesting to see how Stroman performs in New York, as the Yankees will be looking for a much better season in 2024, after missing the playoffs last campaign.
Yankees made Marcus Stroman a priority after missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was one of the major storylines among pitchers in free agency and was pursued by multiple big teams. After a bidding war ensued, the Los Angeles Dodgers landed Yamamoto over their competition, which included teams like the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants and Yankees.
While Yamamoto's $325 million Dodgers contract offer was matched by the Mets, the Yankees reportedly offered him $300, but at a better AAV of $30 million per year (Dodgers offer is $27.08 million AAV). This was not enough to get him to sign NY, and many believe that Shohei Ohtani was the determining factor in Yamamoto's decision, rather than money.
After missing out on Yamamoto, time and options were somewhat running out and the Yankees felt Marcus Stroman would be good value for money and add a little extra to their roster. As such, they made him a priority and will be delighted to have their man for the 2024 season.