Discover the career path of Marcus Stroman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Marcus Stroman is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Yankees in MLB. He previously played for the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. Notably, at 5'7", Stroman is one of the few MLB pitchers under 5'10" to start a game in the 21st century.
1968: Tom Phoebus Home Run
In 1968, Tom Phoebus of the Baltimore Orioles was the last pitcher listed as 5 feet 8 inches or shorter to hit a home run in the majors before Stroman.
1970: Batterymates Hit Back-To-Back Home Runs
In 1970, Luke Maile's solo home run preceded Stroman's, making the batterymates the first to hit back-to-back home runs since this year.
1971: Gary Peters Pinch Hit
In 1971, Gary Peters had the last extra-base pinch hit by an American League pitcher before Stroman.
June 21, 2003: Mark Hendrickson Home Run
On June 21, 2003, Mark Hendrickson, also a Blue Jays pitcher, hit a home run. Stroman later became the second Blue Jays pitcher to hit a home run.
2009: Drafted by Nationals, Attends Duke
In 2009, Stroman was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 18th round but chose not to sign, instead attending Duke University to play college baseball.
2010: Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star
In 2010, Stroman played collegiate summer baseball for the Orleans Firebirds and was named a league all-star.
2011: Played for Orleans Firebirds
In 2011, Stroman continued to play collegiate summer baseball for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).
August 1, 2012: Promotion to Double-A
On August 1, 2012, the Blue Jays promoted Stroman to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, marking his progression through the minor league system.
2012: Drafted by Blue Jays
In 2012, Marcus Stroman was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round of the MLB draft, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.
May 19, 2013: Win After Suspension
Having completed his suspension, Stroman started and pitched five scoreless innings to get the win in the May 19, 2013, game for the Fisher Cats.
May 3, 2014: Called up to Blue Jays
On May 3, 2014, Stroman was called up to the Toronto Blue Jays after Brandon Morrow was placed on the 60-day injured list.
2014: Assigned to Minor League Camp
During the Blue Jays' 2014 major league spring training camp, Stroman was assigned to the minor league camp and was the Opening Day starting pitcher for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
2014: MLB Debut with Blue Jays
In 2014, Marcus Stroman made his Major League Baseball debut with the Toronto Blue Jays, beginning his career in the MLB.
2014: Finished 2014 Season
Stroman finished the 2014 season with an 11-6 record, 3.65 ERA, 111 strikeouts, and a 1.17 WHIP in 130 2/3 innings pitched.
2015: Finished 2015 season
Stroman finished the 2015 regular season with a 4-0 record, 1.67 ERA, and 18 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched.
2015: First Postseason Game
Stroman played his first career postseason game in Game 2 of the 2015 American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers.
March 23, 2016: Opening Day Starter
On March 23, 2016, Stroman was named the Opening Day starter for the Blue Jays.
2016: Wild Card Game Start
In 2016, Stroman started the Wild Card game against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching six innings and helping the Blue Jays advance to the ALDS.
February 14, 2017: Won Arbitration Case
On February 14, 2017, Stroman won his arbitration case and received a $3.4 million salary for the 2017 season.
May 18, 2017: First Career Home Run
On May 18, 2017, Stroman hit his first career home run off Julio Teherán in the Blue Jays' 9-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.
2017: World Baseball Classic MVP
In 2017, representing the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic, Stroman was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
2017: Finished 2017 Season
Stroman finished the 2017 season with 13 wins, 164 strikeouts, and a 3.09 ERA in 201 innings.
February 15, 2018: Arbitration Case Loss
On February 15, 2018, Marcus Stroman announced that he lost his arbitration case and would earn $6.5 million for the season, less than his requested $6.9 million.
March 13, 2019: Opening Day Starter
On March 13, 2019, Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo announced that Marcus Stroman would be the Opening Day starter.
July 28, 2019: Traded to the New York Mets
On July 28, 2019, Marcus Stroman was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the New York Mets for pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson.
November 15, 2019: Number Change Announcement
On November 15, 2019, Marcus Stroman announced via Twitter that he was switching to number 0 for the 2020 season.
2019: All-Star and Traded to Mets
In 2019, Stroman was named an All-Star and subsequently traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the New York Mets.
August 10, 2020: Opted out of 2020 Season
On August 10, 2020, Marcus Stroman announced that he would opt out of the 2020 season.
2022: Signed with the Cubs
Prior to the 2022 season, Stroman signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, marking a new chapter in his MLB career.
2023: Opted out of contract
At the end of the 2023 season, Stroman opted out of the third year of his contract with the Chicago Cubs, making him a free agent.
January 17, 2024: Signed with the New York Yankees
On January 17, 2024, Marcus Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the New York Yankees.