"It's a double-edged sword" - MLB analyst believes Marcus Stroman's loud personality could be a problem when he's with the Yankees
The New York Yankees' recent signing of Marcus Stroman has sparked debates among MLB analysts about the impact of his outspoken personality on and off the field. During a discussion on "Baseball Night in New York", SNY MLB analyst Keith Raad expressed both admiration and concern for Stroman’s presence:
"I have question marks as always about his life on social media, but you don’t really get players in a vacuum. It‘s the whole package when you get the guy."
Stroman, known for his durability and consistency on the mound, has had his fair share of controversies, particularly on social media. Anthony DiComo mentioned that Stroman’s tenure with the New York Mets saw him involved in conflicts with the media and fans, emphasizing that such behavior can be a double-edged sword.
While Stroman’s intensity and passion can fuel his performance, it also opens him up to criticism, especially in the demanding and scrutinizing atmosphere of New York:
"Everyone’s had a Marcus Stroman story, and maybe he needs that for fuel to be the type of pitcher that we have seen that he can be, but it is a double-edged sword [...] When you do that sort of thing you open yourself up to criticism, and all the nasty side of what happens when you don’t succeed in New York."
The discussion highlighted the hope that Marcus Stroman has learned from his past experiences and can maintain a lower profile with the Yankees. Sal Licata, another commentator, shared his experience of being blocked by Stroman on X, formerly Twitter, for critiquing the Mets, suggesting that a quieter approach might benefit Stroman and the team:
"I never said a bad thing about him and then next thing I know, because I critiqued the Mets he blocked me on Twitter."
Some analysts believe signing Marcus Stroman reflects Yankees' desperation
According to analyst Joel Sherman, the New York Yankees’ consideration of Stroman reflects their desperation to address pitching needs. Sherman acknowledged Stroman’s past clashes with Yankees General Manager, Brian Cashman, and emphasized that signing Stroman is a departure from the team’s usual approach to player behavior.
The Yankees’ willingness to overlook Stroman’s history suggests their urgent need for reliable pitching. Stroman, in turn, seems motivated to fit into the Yankees’ culture, evident in his efforts to cleanse his social media of criticism directed at Cashman.