There have been conflicting reports about Marcus Stroman's most likely destinations coming out of his free agency this offseason.
Most recently, the 32-year-old starter has been linked to the New York Yankees. And Yankee fans aren't exactly happy about it.
Social media has been flooded with baseball fans giving their opinions on their teams' offseason decisions and their hopes for the months leading up to the new campaign. It's safe to say that Stroman did not begin as one of New York's top priorities, but after missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, and with the market for Blake Snell going nowhere fast, they may have to settle.
Yankee fans have been critical of Stroman in the past, likely because he's also been disparaging of the New York club and its followers. And with Stroman's presence on social media being as frequent as it is, there's a lot of evidence of his statements.
You mad because that crazy payroll continues to let you down year after year? Get off my page and go communicate with the front office bitter boy. Lmao 🤡😂
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 16, 2021
Yankees haven’t won a World Series since 2009. They routinely spend more than any other team and acquire the biggest names at every trade deadline. The way the spend and players they get should result in much more success than they’ve had…you don’t agree?
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 16, 2021
Red Sox fans should be rooting for Yankees to sign Marcus Stroman
Stroman's distaste for the Yankees likely dates back to 2019 when the Yanks passed up on a trade for him at the deadline. New York's general manager Brian Cashman is on record saying that he didn't believe Stroman would be "a difference maker" for his squad.
Now, New York has been referred to as "the top candidate" to sign Stroman for the 2024 season, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. And Stroman himself has reportedly expressed interest in pitching in pinstripes.
Stroman and his agent allegedly reached out to the front office in the Bronx to inquire about a contract. And Yankee fans quickly took to Twitter to share their opinions on the right-hander. A few of them were favorable, but the majority don't like Stroman as a choice for the Yankees.
If Stroman is your “innings eater” signing on a short-term deal & the Yankees acquire another more talented SP, I’m for it. If he’s THE addition to the rotation, that’s a failure
— Stanzo (@ncostanzo24) January 10, 2024
Red Sox fans should look forward to the Yankees potentially securing Stroman. Not because Boston should look forward to facing him — Stroman's stuff is still nothing to sneeze at — but because his presence in New York will upset a lot of people and potentially disrupt the team's chemistry.
I would straight up not be able to root for Stroman as a Yankee. I would not watch his starts. This would be a disaster. I'd rather call someone up from Single-A https://t.co/SlcvB50Psb
— Tommy Smokes (@TomScibelli) January 10, 2024
Did we mention he has a horrible track record at Yankee Stadium?
Stroman's personality doesn't suit the Yankees' "shut up and play" vibes. His vocality on social media and in the locker room could cause friction in ways New York doesn't usually see. He has some Yankee fans on his side, but despite his pitching talent and being a potential fit in the Bronx, Stroman will be an unpopular choice among fans as the newest addition to the Yankees rotation.
You hear that? That's Red Sox fans quietly cheering for this to happen.