Marcus Stroman’s place on the New York Yankees roster is increasingly uncertain as Ryan Yarbrough’s strong performances put pressure on the veteran pitcher. Following a difficult start to the 2025 season and ongoing rotation depth issues, Stroman’s role with the Yankees is in question amid mounting competition for pitching spots.

Comparisons to a historic Yankees lineup change raise questions about Stroman’s future

Marcus Stroman’s situation with the Yankees has drawn parallels to the story of Wally Pipp, the player who famously lost his starting spot after missing a game with a headache. Brian McKeon, an insider featured on the Locked On Yankees podcast, suggested that Stroman

“feels like he’s been Wally Pipped almost off this roster.”

This comparison underscores the precariousness of Stroman’s position, as he faces the prospect of losing playing time to a rising pitcher in the Bronx.

Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the Yankees last offseason but stumbled through the tail end of 2024, failing to pitch during the postseason. The struggles have continued into 2025, with an untenable 11.57 ERA across his first three starts before he was sidelined with knee inflammation in mid-April. Initially resistant to the idea of pitching in relief, Stroman has since softened his stance, now expressing he is open to anything to maintain a role on the team.</p>

Insider doubts Stroman’s role amid shifting team strategy

Brian McKeon offered a blunt assessment of Stroman’s uncertain role. He dismissed the possibility that the team would implement a platoon between Stroman and Ryan Yarbrough, noting that pitchers at this level are creatures of habit and such arrangements are unrealistic. McKeon stated,

“I’m going to be honest with you… I don’t know what the role is for Marcus Strowman.”

The insider’s view suggests that Stroman’s spot on the roster may be slipping away due to performance and organizational priorities.

McKeon attributed the difficulty to the emergence of Yarbrough, who he said has earned his position as a starter outright. He was clear:

“I think there is less than a 0% chance they platoon Yarro and Strowman.”

Yarbrough has been strong enough to eliminate any bullpen fallback for Stroman, with McKeon adding,

“Yarborough’s been good enough or him not to go back to the bullpen. Honestly, he’s been that good.”

The harsh reality seems to be that Stroman

“might have played his way off the roster.”

Statistical evidence supports Yarbrough’s rise over Stroman

The numbers back up the insider’s assessment. While Stroman gave up 12 runs in just over nine innings, Yarbrough has delivered a steady presence on the mound with a 3.96 ERA across 50 innings. The left-handed pitcher has proven to be a reliable innings eater for the Yankees, stabilizing a rotation that was in need of consistency. After a tough outing against Boston in which he allowed eight runs, Yarbrough quickly rebounded by giving up only one run in his next start against the same team.</p>

Manager Aaron Boone’s public confidence in Yarbrough aligns with this trend. Boone praised his performance, saying

“Yarbs has done a great job for us.”

He highlighted Yarbrough’s effectiveness in producing soft contact against hitters, attributing it to his unique pitching style and varied pitch mix, which frustrates opposing batters.

Yankees’ deep rotation exacerbates Stroman’s competition

The Yankees currently boast a strong starting rotation, creating a challenging environment for Stroman to secure a steady role. The staff features frontline pitchers including Carlos Rodón and Max Fried, both signed to significant contracts, as well as reliable arms like Clarke Schmidt and promising rookie Will Warren. Ryan Yarbrough has cemented his value as a dependable starter, further pressing Stroman’s need to prove his worth.

Adding to the crowded rotation, Luis Gil, the 2024 AL rookie of the year, is expected to return from a lat injury around the All-Star break, potentially expanding the group to six quality starters. Beyond that, ace Gerrit Cole remains the unquestioned number one but is currently sidelined for the season, with expectations to return and reclaim his role next year.

The looming question of survival in a competitive Yankees roster

With the pitching staff brimming with talent, the Yankees are forced to make difficult roster decisions. Stroman’s high salary and uneven 2025 performances place him in a vulnerable position relative to emerging players like Yarbrough, who have not only demonstrated effectiveness but also durability. The possibility that Stroman’s Yankees tenure is nearing its end echoes the Wally Pipp story — a veteran supplanted by a rising star in a demanding sports environment.

How management will ultimately handle the roster as the season progresses, especially with a crowded rotation and injury returns, remains a key storyline to watch. For Stroman, the coming weeks could be decisive for his role in the bullpen or starter’s rotation, but current trends paint a challenging picture for the veteran right-hander’s future in the Bronx.