The Yankees face a tough decision regarding their $37 million pitcher after concerning news about Luis Gil.
For much of the offseason, speculation has surrounded the New York Yankees and their plans for veteran starting pitcher Marcus Stroman. Many reports suggested that the Yankees were actively considering trading Stroman, and the move appeared to make sense for several reasons.
Stroman, despite being a talented pitcher with a solid track record, was notably left off the Yankees’ roster during their 2024 World Series run. His absence raised questions about his future with the team, especially after the Yankees made significant upgrades to their starting rotation during the offseason. The addition of left-handed ace Max Fried bolstered a staff that already featured Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil. With five high-caliber starting pitchers in the mix, Stroman found himself on the outside looking in when it came to securing a role in the Yankees’ starting rotation.
However, recent developments have changed the equation. A key member of the Yankees’ projected starting five, Luis Gil, has been dealing with tightness in his throwing shoulder, an issue serious enough for the team to take immediate action. As a precautionary measure, the Yankees decided to shut Gil down and schedule an MRI to assess the severity of the issue. While there is still uncertainty surrounding his condition, the mere fact that the Yankees are ordering an MRI suggests that they are concerned about the possibility of a more serious injury.
If Gil is forced to miss a significant amount of time, the Yankees’ depth at starting pitcher will be tested. This scenario makes Stroman’s presence on the roster far more valuable than it seemed just a few weeks ago. While Stroman may not have been in the Yankees’ immediate plans, circumstances now suggest that the team will likely keep him around—at least for the time being.
Another potential replacement in the rotation is the Yankees’ top pitching prospect, Will Warren. The young right-hander has impressed during spring training, showing flashes of brilliance and demonstrating why he is considered one of the franchise’s most promising arms. However, despite his strong showing in camp, Warren struggled at times in the minor leagues last season. Given his inconsistent performance in 2024, it is unlikely that the Yankees would feel comfortable relying on him as a full-time member of the rotation to start the season.
With Warren not yet deemed ready for a full-time role in the big leagues and Gil’s health in question, Stroman is now the most logical candidate to step in as the Yankees’ fifth starter. If Gil’s injury sidelines him for an extended period, Stroman would suddenly find himself with a key role in the Yankees’ rotation—a scenario few would have predicted earlier in the offseason.
What happens next will largely depend on how Stroman performs. If he steps into the rotation and pitches well, the Yankees will face a difficult decision. They could opt to keep him in the starting rotation for the long haul, which might mean shifting another pitcher—possibly Clarke Schmidt—to the bullpen to make room. Alternatively, if Stroman’s value increases due to strong performances, the Yankees could revisit trade discussions and potentially deal him to a team in need of pitching depth.
For now, the Yankees’ immediate focus is on determining the severity of Gil’s shoulder issue. If his MRI results come back clean and he is cleared to return to action soon, the conversation around Stroman’s future could shift once again. However, if the news is less optimistic and Gil is forced to miss weeks or even months, Stroman will become an essential part of the Yankees’ pitching plans.
The situation highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball roster management. Just weeks ago, it seemed all but certain that the Yankees would move on from Stroman, as they had an abundance of starting pitchers and little room for him in the rotation. Now, an unexpected injury has changed everything, potentially giving Stroman a renewed opportunity to prove his value to the team.
Regardless of what happens next, the Yankees’ decision on Stroman will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow as the season gets underway. Whether he ends up staying in New York or eventually gets traded, his role on the team has suddenly become far more important than anyone anticipated.
