Marcus Stroman and the Yankees would have been seen as a disastrous marriage five years ago, when the righty and Brian Cashman had a public back and forth after the trade deadline.
Cashman didn’t see Stroman as a “difference maker” at the time, hence the team’s decision not to trade for him that summer. Two years later, Stroman was still bringing the quote to light, while ripping the Yankees and their rotation consistently “folding” in October.
Fast forward to Thursday afternoon, and a smiling Stroman told reporters that the unlikely marriage between himself and the Yanks was finalized with a chuckle between two unlikely allies. Stroman, being formally introduced as a Yankee over Zoom, said he and Cashman have wiped the slate clean to help come to terms on a two-year deal.
“It was quick, man. It was quick. We literally laughed about it,” Stroman said. “He told me his quick little piece about how it didn’t necessarily come out as he wanted it to. He let me know I’m someone who he thought was always gonna be a good competitor. Someone who could handle the lights. Someone who could handle the pressure. And that was kind of the ultimate draw.
“I think Cash is right there with me in thinking this is gonna be a good situation for both of us.”
Cashman, who spoke later in the day, agreed with that synopsis, taking responsibility for the situation escalating as it did in 2019 and revealing how he tried, and needed, to remedy it.
“It was my bad; we were trying to trade for him and I was asked why we didn’t pay the ransom, and in trying to frame it, I just said for the amount of talent Toronto wanted back, it wouldn’t be a difference maker,” Cashman said. “It wasn’t construed as intended, and at the time, I called his agent immediately and apologized. I saw Brodie Van Wagenen (Stroman’s current agent) in November and I reiterated that again, and he assured me there’s no issues – but when we got down the tracks with Stro, I wanted to have a conversation with him. When we were talking, he was trying to dismiss it and move forward, and we laughed about it, but I said it was important to check this box and have him hear what was intended and apologize personally.”
Of course, Cashman is far from the only one on the receiving end of Stroman’s callouts via social media. The 2023 All-Star has built a reputation of clashing with fans online, while his role in the infamous “thumbs down” movement by members of the 2021 Mets furthered the belief that Stroman wouldn’t be able to thrive in New York.
But the Medford native believes Yankee fans will get to know, and appreciate, the real Stroman in his second go-round in the Big Apple.
“I’d say I’m misunderstood, for sure,” Stroman said. “That’s another reason why I’m excited to be a Yankee. I think people will have a different view of me after my tenure here. I don’t think Cash, Boonie, or Judge would want me to be a part if they didn’t know my character and how I was as a teammate. So I’m excited. I’m excited for this opportunity.”
Stroman won’t just be making his return to New York, where scrutiny will be as potent as the city’s spotlight. He will be part of a team with an agitated fanbase following a disastrous 82-win season, and part of a rotation loaded with question marks, including Carlos Rodon, whose debut season in the Bronx included blowing kisses at angry Yankee fans during one of many abysmal outings. The recipe seems like one of disaster given the expectations, and patience, of the fanbase, and the perception of Stroman. But he says that perception will be corrected in 2024, and this partnership will be one to remember.
“I'm not someone who shies away from the limelight or the pressure or the lights,” Stroman said. “I think a lot of guys would avoid coming to New York and playing for the Yankees because of that reason. I feel like it brings out the best in me.
“I'm someone who's always wanted a challenge and someone who's always up for challenge. I think it's just a match made in heaven.”
And once again, the GM agrees.
“We vet everybody we try to onboard; it’s a very incestuous industry, so we check those boxes and have those conversations, and one thing I can tell you without a doubt is this is an ultimate competitor who wants the big stage and bright lights,” Cashman said. “There is a population that doesn’t want to play in New York because it’s too much, but he wanted to be here. He’s got that no-fear factor, and is the ultimate competitor.”
