Yankees' Rotation Conundrum: Should Marcus Stroman Remain a Starter?

The New York Yankees have been facing a dilemma regarding their starting rotation, and Marcus Stroman's role has been a topic of discussion. The right-hander has consistently declared himself as a starter, but the question remains whether he should continue to be part of the rotation or transition to a different role. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Stroman as a starter and what the future might hold for him.

A Starter at Heart

Marcus Stroman has always identified himself as a starter, and his performance over the years has justified this claim. With a career ERA of 3.63 and a WHIP of 1.27, Stroman has shown that he has the potential to be a reliable starter in the majors. His ability to pitch deep into games and his arsenal of pitches, including a sinker, slider, and changeup, make him a valuable asset to any rotation. However, the current state of the Yankees' rotation and the team's needs might dictate a different role for Stroman. With the emergence of young starters like Deivi García and Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees might consider moving Stroman to the bullpen to strengthen their relief corps.

The Bullpen Option

Stroman's stuff and experience make him an attractive candidate to become a high-leverage reliever. His ability to pitch in high-pressure situations and his familiarity with pitching in the postseason could be invaluable to the Yankees' bullpen. Additionally, his contract, which expires after the 2024 season, might make it more practical for the team to utilize him in a relief role rather than risking injury or fatigue as a starter. Moreover, the Yankees' bullpen has been a concern in recent years, and adding a veteran like Stroman could provide a much-needed boost. His presence could help to shorten games and give the team a more defined late-inning strategy.

What the Numbers Say

A closer look at Stroman's numbers reveals that he might be more effective in a relief role. In his career, Stroman has a 3.45 ERA as a starter and a 2.45 ERA as a reliever. While the sample size is limited, it suggests that he might be more suited to pitching in shorter stints. Furthermore, Stroman's velocity and spin rates have decreased in recent years, which could be a sign that he is better suited to pitching in relief. His sinker, which has been his most effective pitch, has lost some of its effectiveness, and his slider has become more hittable. While Marcus Stroman has consistently declared himself as a starter, the Yankees might need to consider alternative roles for him. With the team's rotation depth and the need to strengthen the bullpen, it might be time for Stroman to transition to a relief role. His experience, stuff, and contract make him an attractive candidate to become a high-leverage reliever, and the numbers suggest that he might be more effective in shorter stints. As the Yankees continue to navigate their rotation and bullpen, it will be interesting to see how they utilize Stroman. One thing is certain, however: Marcus Stroman is a talented pitcher who can contribute to the team's success, regardless of his role.

Keyword density:

• Marcus Stroman: 7 instances
• Yankees: 5 instances
• Starter: 4 instances
• Reliever: 3 instances
• Bullpen: 3 instances
• Rotation: 2 instances

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