Career Timeline of Marcus Stroman: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Marcus Stroman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Marcus Stroman is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the New York Yankees. He has previously played for the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. Notably, at 5'7", he is one of the shortest pitchers to start an MLB game in the 21st century.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Drafted by the Washington Nationals

In 2009, Stroman was drafted in the 18th round of the MLB draft by the Washington Nationals but opted not to sign, choosing instead to attend Duke University.

2010: Orleans Firebirds

In 2010, Stroman played collegiate summer baseball for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.

2011: Orleans Firebirds

In 2011, Stroman played collegiate summer baseball for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

August 1, 2012: Promotion to Double-A

On August 1, 2012, after starting his professional career with the Low-A Vancouver Canadians, the Blue Jays promoted Stroman to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

2012: Drafted by the Blue Jays

In 2012, Stroman was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round of the MLB draft after attending Duke University and playing college baseball for the Duke Blue Devils.

May 19, 2013: Win After Suspension

On May 19, 2013, having completed his suspension, Stroman started and pitched five scoreless innings to get the win in the game for the Fisher Cats.

July 2, 2013: 13 Strikeouts

On July 2, 2013, Stroman struck out 13 batters over 6 2⁄3 innings in a 3–1 loss to the New Britain Rock Cats.

July 26, 2013: Number Three Prospect

On July 26, 2013, Stroman was ranked as the number three prospect in the Blue Jays organization when the revised Top 100 Prospects list was released.

May 3, 2014: Called Up to the Blue Jays

On May 3, 2014, Stroman was called up to the Toronto Blue Jays after Brandon Morrow was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

2014: MLB Debut with the Blue Jays

In 2014, Stroman made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Toronto Blue Jays.

2014: Suspension and Save

In 2014, Stroman was suspended six games for intentionally throwing at Caleb Joseph. After returning, he earned his first career save on September 26. He finished the 2014 season with an 11–6 record.

January 9, 2015: Trademarked "Height Doesn't Measure Heart" and "HDMH"

On January 9, 2015, Marcus Stroman completed the legal process for trademarking "Height Doesn't Measure Heart" and "HDMH".

2015: Rehab Assignment and Return

In 2015, Stroman began a rehab assignment in August, throwing off a mound on August 11. He made rehab starts with the Lansing Lugnuts and Buffalo Bisons. On September 12, Stroman made his 2015 debut against the New York Yankees, earning the win after returning from injury.

2015: Postseason Debut

In 2015, Stroman played his first career postseason game in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers, receiving a no-decision. He also started in Game 5 of the same series.

2015: Increased Reliance on Two-Seam Fastball

Since the 2015 season, Marcus Stroman has relied more on his two-seam fastball, using it approximately 41-44% of the time.

March 23, 2016: Opening Day Starter

On March 23, 2016, Stroman was named the Opening Day starter for the Toronto Blue Jays.

December 2016: Announced Participation in World Baseball Classic

In December 2016, Marcus Stroman announced that he would play for the United States national baseball team at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

2016: Appeared on Mike Stud's Remix

In 2016, Marcus Stroman appeared on the remix of the title track of rapper Mike Stud's album "These Days".

2016: Wild Card and ALCS Games

In 2016, Stroman started the Wild Card game against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching six innings. The Blue Jays won and advanced to the ALDS. He later pitched in Game 3 of the ALCS.

February 14, 2017: Arbitration Case Win

On February 14, 2017, it was announced that Stroman had won his arbitration case and would receive a $3.4 million salary for the 2017 season.

May 18, 2017: First MLB Home Run

On May 18, 2017, Stroman hit his first Major League Baseball home run off Julio Teherán in a game against the Atlanta Braves.

2017: Won the World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Marcus Stroman led Team USA to an 8-0 victory and their first WBC championship, holding Team Puerto Rico scoreless and without a hit through six innings in the final game. Stroman was named the tournament's MVP and to the All-World Baseball Classic team.

2017: 200 Innings

Stroman finished the 2017 season with 13 wins, 164 strikeouts, and a 3.09 ERA in 201 innings, marking his seventh consecutive 200-inning season as a Blue Jays pitcher in the last 20 years.

February 15, 2018: Lost Arbitration Case

On February 15, 2018, Marcus Stroman announced via Twitter that he lost his arbitration case, resulting in a salary of $6.5 million for the season, less than his requested $6.9 million.

March 13, 2019: Named Opening Day Starter

On March 13, 2019, Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo announced that Marcus Stroman would be the Opening Day starter for the team.

July 28, 2019: Traded to the New York Mets

On July 28, 2019, the Toronto Blue Jays traded Marcus Stroman 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 on Twitter that he was switching to jersey number 0 for the 2020 season and changed his Twitter handle to @STR0, wanting to give up No. 7 in honor of Jose Reyes.

2019: All-Star and Trade to the Mets

In 2019, Stroman was named an All-Star, and later in the same year, the Blue Jays traded him to the New York Mets.

August 10, 2020: Opted Out of Season

On August 10, 2020, Marcus Stroman announced that he would opt out of the 2020 season before his return from a torn left calf muscle.

2022: Signed with the Cubs

Prior to the 2022 season, Stroman signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.

2023: Opted out of contract with Cubs

At the end of the 2023 season, Stroman opted out of the third year of his contract with the Chicago Cubs.

2023: Represented Puerto Rico at World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Marcus Stroman represented the Puerto Rico national baseball team at the World Baseball Classic.

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, including a conditional player option for the 2026 season that will vest at $18 million if Stroman pitches 140 innings in 2025.