On Thursday night, the New York Yankees announced their signing of two-time All Star pitcher Marcus Stroman, on a two-year, $37 million deal. Yankees fans are not happy about Stroman joining their squad — and the reason why has nothing to do with his pitching prowess.
The Yankees faithful and Marcus Stroman have had an ongoing beef since September 2019, when Yankees GM Brian Cashman was asked by Yahaoo Sports why he didn't pursue Stroman (then a Toronto Blue Jay) in free agency back then — to which Cashman responded that Stroman, "wasn't a difference maker."
This response prompted Stroman to go on a social media tirade; posting a series of tweets that, in his eyes, proved why Cashman's assessment was incorrect.
While Stroman has since deleted these tweets, the internet always keeps score — and various accounts have dug these posts up to remind Yankees fans why they've despised their newest signee for the last four or so years. Here are a few favorites.
The first social media post Stroman had after Cashman's comments was a (well made) graphic he posted on Twitter, comparing his 2019 stats with that of the Yankees starting rotation that season, with the caption, 'Straight cash homie. ? #HDMH' — which could be a direct reference to the Yankees GM's last name.
The graphic fired Yankees up fans enough for them to start hating on Stroman through his comments section — which has continued on and off for years. Stroman forgot to delete this response to a Yankee fan's hate, saying, '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 ? ?'
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
Another post showed Stroman arguing with members of Barstool Sports; noting why, in his eyes, the Yankees haven't won a World Series since 2009.
Yankees SP earned runs allowed last 10 starts: 8
Marcus Stroman earned runs allowed yesterday: 9 pic.twitter.com/eaNGy5j5kr
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) June 4, 2022
There are many more instances of Stroman bashing the Bronx Bombers in the past — which is likely why the Yankees initially weren't interested in signing Stroman this offseason.
Cooler heads clearly prevailed, however, as Stroman is now part of Yankees nation.
While fans aren't happy about this right now, all it will take is for Stroman — who grew up on Long Island and boasts a 3.65 career ERA — to perform in 2024 for them to warm up to the sinker-baller.
In the meantime, perhaps Stroman should say a few nice things about the Yankees nation, as a sort of peace offering. Not that Yankees fans are known to be forgiving.
