Marcus Earl Stroman Bio
Marcus Earl Stroman is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. Born on May 1, 1991, in Medford, New York, he has played in Major League Baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees. Stroman has established himself as a prominent pitcher, earning All-Star honors twice and winning a Gold Glove Award. He stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall, making him one of the shorter pitchers in the league’s modern history. Following a solid college career at Duke University, he was drafted by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2012 draft and made his MLB debut in 2014.
Early Life and Background
Stroman was born in Medford, New York, on May 1, 1991, to Earl Stroman and Adlin Auffant. His mother is Puerto Rican, making him eligible to represent Puerto Rico in international competition. His father works as a police detective in Suffolk County, New York. Stroman grew up with a brother, Jayden, and a sister, Sabria. His cousin, Erskine Kelley, played minor league baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs organizations. In 1997, a six-year-old Stroman appeared on the Nickelodeon game show Figure It Out.
Stroman attended Patchogue-Medford High School in Medford, where he developed a high school rivalry with Steven Matz, a friend and future Mets teammate who pitched for nearby Ward Melville High School. The two were teammates on the same elite travel team and were roommates during the Area Code Games. They faced each other several times in high school, including a notable game on April 16, 2009, which was attended by more than 50 scouts from every MLB team.
Path to Baseball
Stroman was drafted in the 18th round of the 2009 MLB draft by the Washington Nationals but opted not to sign. He instead enrolled at Duke University, where he played college baseball for the Duke Blue Devils. At Duke, Stroman compiled a career record of 15-13 in 48 appearances and set the school record for career strikeouts with 290 over 222 innings pitched. He also played as a position player, making 97 appearances mostly at second base and shortstop.
During the summers of 2010 and 2011, Stroman played for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he allowed zero earned runs over 34 career innings. He was named a league all-star in 2010 and was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame in 2022. On May 15, 2016, Stroman graduated from Duke University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Marcus Earl Stroman Career
Minor Leagues and Toronto Blue Jays (2012-2019)
Stroman was drafted 22nd overall by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2012 MLB Draft, becoming the first Duke player ever selected in the first round. He began his professional career with the Low-A Vancouver Canadians before being promoted to the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats on August 1, 2012. Stroman was suspended for 50 games that August for testing positive for a banned stimulant, which he claimed to have unknowingly consumed in an over-the-counter supplement.
Stroman returned in 2013 and struck out 13 batters over 6 2/3 innings in a start for the Fisher Cats on July 2. He was ranked as the number three prospect in the Blue Jays organization when the revised Top 100 Prospects list was released later that year. He was the 2014 Opening Day starting pitcher for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons before being called up to the majors.
Toronto Blue Jays Breakthrough (2014-2019)
Stroman was called up to the Blue Jays on May 3, 2014, and earned his first MLB victory on May 6 in relief. He made his first major league start on May 31, pitching six innings and surrendering only one earned run to earn the win over the Kansas City Royals. He earned his first complete game and shutout on September 8, needing only 93 pitches to beat the Chicago Cubs 8-0. He finished his rookie season with an 11-6 record, 3.65 ERA, and 111 strikeouts in 130 2/3 innings pitched.
During 2015 spring training, Stroman suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and underwent surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews. He missed most of the season but returned in September, going 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA in five starts. He made two playoff appearances in the ALDS against the Texas Rangers, including a start in Game 5 that helped the Blue Jays advance.
In 2016, Stroman was named the Blue Jays Opening Day starter and set a career-high with 13 strikeouts in a game against the Houston Astros. He finished the season 9-10 with a 4.37 ERA and 166 strikeouts over a career-high 204 innings. He led all major league pitchers with a 60.1% ground ball percentage and the lowest fly ball percentage at 20.4%. He started the Wild Card game against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching six strong innings in a victory that advanced Toronto to the ALDS.
Stroman had a career-defining 2017 season, finishing 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA and 164 strikeouts in 201 innings. He became the first Blue Jays pitcher listed at 5 feet 8 inches or shorter to hit a home run, doing so on May 18 against the Atlanta Braves. On November 7, 2017, he won the Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence. He was named an All-Star for the first time in 2019 before being traded to the Mets in late July.
New York Mets Era (2019-2021)
On July 28, 2019, the Blue Jays traded Stroman to the New York Mets for pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. In 11 starts with the Mets, he went 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA and 60 strikeouts. Overall in 2019, he finished 10-13 with a 3.22 ERA between both teams and earned his first All-Star selection.
Stroman missed the beginning of the 2020 season with a torn left calf muscle and announced on August 10 that he would opt out of the season. After the season, the Mets extended him a qualifying offer worth $18.9 million for 2021, which he accepted. In 2021, Stroman led the Mets’ starting rotation with 10 wins, 158 strikeouts, and 179 innings pitched.
Chicago Cubs (2022-2023)
On December 1, 2021, Stroman signed a two-year contract worth $71 million to play for the Chicago Cubs. He became the first Cub to wear jersey number 0. In 2022, he established himself as a reliable starter for Chicago’s rotation.
Stroman was named to the 2023 MLB All-Star Game but opted not to play to rest. In August, the Cubs placed him on the injured list due to inflammation in his right hip, and he was later diagnosed with a rib cartilage fracture. He returned in mid-September. After the 2023 season, Stroman declined his player option and became a free agent.
New York Yankees (2024-2025)
On January 17, 2024, Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the New York Yankees. Across 29 starts and one relief appearance, he pitched to a 4.31 ERA with 113 strikeouts in 154 2/3 innings. However, with a 5.70 ERA since the start of June, he was left off the Yankees’ ALDS roster. After the Yankees advanced, he was readded to their roster for the ALCS.
On August 1, 2025, Stroman was released by the Yankees. During the 2025 season, he started nine games, pitched 39 innings, and logged a 6.23 ERA with a 3-2 record and 26 strikeouts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stroman throws six pitches: a four-seam fastball averaging 93 mph, a two-seam fastball at 92 mph, a curveball at 82 mph, a changeup at 85 mph, a cutter at 90 mph, and a slider at 85 mph. His game is built on generating ground balls and keeping the ball in the park. He has led MLB in ground ball percentage twice, recording 60.1% in 2016 and 62.1% in 2017. His low fly ball rates and ability to induce ground outs make him particularly effective at limiting home runs and working efficiently with his defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Stroman’s most celebrated performance came at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he threw six hitless innings against Team Puerto Rico in the final, helping Team USA win 8-0 and secure their first WBC championship. He was named tournament MVP and to the All-World Baseball Classic Team. In MLB, his career highlights include a complete-game shutout in 2014, two All-Star selections, and a Gold Glove Award in 2017. He has been a symbol of perseverance despite his stature, trademarking the phrase “Height Doesn’t Measure Heart.”
Marcus Earl Stroman Career Wins
Across his MLB career spanning from 2014 through 2025, Stroman has compiled a win-loss record of 90-87 with a 3.79 earned run average and 1,230 strikeouts. He has been a reliable mid-rotation starter throughout his career, showing the ability to pitch deep into games and limit walks.
Major Achievements
Stroman’s most productive seasons include his 2017 campaign with the Blue Jays, where he went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA and 164 strikeouts while earning his first Gold Glove Award. His 2019 season resulted in his first All-Star selection, and he combined for 10 wins between the Blue Jays and Mets. With the Cubs in 2023, he earned his second All-Star selection before his injury-plagued second half.
International Success
Stroman’s most prestigious accolade came in 2017, when he was named World Baseball Classic MVP after holding Puerto Rico hitless through six innings in the championship game. He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2023 WBC. His ability to perform on the international stage solidified his reputation as a big-game pitcher.
Marcus Earl Stroman Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Stroman was born in Medford, New York, to Earl Stroman and Adlin Auffant. His father is a police detective in Suffolk County, New York, while his mother has Puerto Rican heritage, which made Marcus eligible to represent Puerto Rico internationally. His cousin Erskine Kelley played minor league baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs organizations. His childhood friend and high school rival Steven Matz also reached MLB, and they became teammates on the New York Mets.
Personal Life
Stroman has built a brand around his underdog status, trademarking the phrases “Height Doesn’t Measure Heart” and “HDMH” in 2015. He has partnered with Nike, Jordan Brand, BioSteel, and Rogers to create apparel featuring the HDMH logo. He has numerous tattoos honoring his family, including a tribute to his late grandmother Gloria Major on his left shoulder. He is an avid wine enthusiast with a personal wine cellar containing over 400 bottles at his Tampa home. He has stated he practices Transcendental Meditation regularly. Stroman graduated from Duke University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season with the New York Yankees, Stroman appeared in nine games before being released on August 1. He logged a 6.23 ERA with a 3-2 record and 26 strikeouts over 39 innings. The season was marked by significant struggles, as his ERA ballooned well above his career average and he was unable to secure a consistent role in the Yankees’ rotation.
Despite his challenges during the regular season, Stroman was initially left off the Yankees’ ALDS roster before being added back for the ALCS roster. This demonstrated that the organization still valued his experience and versatility for high-stakes situations. Following his release, Stroman became a free agent with the goal of finding a team where he could rebuild his value and contribute as a veteran presence.
Across his career, Stroman has played for five MLB organizations, accumulating a 90-87 record with 1,230 strikeouts and a 3.79 ERA. His career highlights include two All-Star selections, one Gold Glove Award, and 2017 World Baseball Classic MVP honors. At 34 years old, Stroman continues to pursue opportunities in professional baseball as a crafty right-hander who has proven he can compete at the highest level despite physical challenges and questions about his stature.