The New York Yankees designated Marcus Stroman for assignment just a few months ago, a decision that came as little surprise.
Stroman had some decent parts during his time with the Yankees, but for the most part, he was slightly average to below average. In other parts throughout his career, he was an excellent arm, earning a few All-Star nods.
For some reason, Stroman is viewed as a somewhat polarizing figure around Major League Baseball. Some believe that he's cocky and other things, but frankly, he's just someone who wants to go out there and compete at the highest level.
Is Marcus Stroman's MLB career over?
Regardless, after being designated for assignment, he hasn't gotten another shot in Major League Baseball. Stroman, even if he signs with a team now, wouldn’t be eligible for the postseason.
Some believe his last start with the Yankees could’ve been his final one in the league, including Jake Elman of FanSided, who named him one of four ex-Yankees players who won't play another game in Major League Baseball.
“Of every player on this list, we acknowledge that Stroman likely has the best chance to at least earn a Minor League contract this winter, but that isn’t saying much. There likely isn’t much of a market for a 34-year-old pitcher who publicly resisted moving to the bullpen and who has a history of confronting fans. Stroman notably accused the Mets’ front office of ignoring death threats he claimed he received during his 2 ½ seasons in Queens.
“The fact that no teams even signed Stroman to a Minor League deal following his Aug. 1 release is a major red flag. Remember, the deadline for playoff eligibility wasn’t until Sept. 1, meaning teams had a whole month to bring Stroman in as depth,” he wrote.
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To see Stroman not get an opportunity to pitch again in Major League Baseball would be a disservice to what he's done throughout his career.
Thirty-four years old and owning a career ERA of 3.79, he's more than worthy of being a guy a team takes a chance on.
Whether that happens or not remains to be seen, but for his sake, at least he has over 10 years of service time.