Yankees Become Favorites to Sign Marcus Stroman (Report)

MLB Network analyst John Paul Morosi reported that the Yankees were the “leading candidate” to reach an agreement with Marcus Stroman after the club had “productive conversations” with the right-hander in recent days.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported earlier this week that the two sides have “mutual interest” in each other following a CEO meeting in November.

The Yankees tried and failed to improve their rotation over the winter. They failed to get Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They were also reported to be interested in Shota Imanaga, who close to agreement with Cubs. MLB Network analyst Jon Heyman wrote in the New York Post last week that the Yankees are “still a long way from negotiating” with top free agents such as Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.

But as the Yankees continue to try, they may be able to get a deal done with Stroman. The pitcher is coming off his second All-Star call-up in 2023 and finished the year with a 3.95 ERA in 136.2 innings, although he didn’t start again after July due to rib and hip injuries.

Stroman has experience playing in New York after wearing a Mets uniform from 2019-2021. During that span, he posted a stellar 126 ERA+ in 238.2 innings (44 starts).

The Red Sox, Orioles, Giants, Angels and Phillies are among the teams that have also been linked to the 32-year-old right-hander.