MLB Rumors: Aaron Judge teammate's social media activity fuels departure speculation from Yankees

Aaron Judge‘s teammate, pitcher for the New York Yankees, is at the center of trade rumors this MLB offseason. After a disappointing 2024 season and a two-year, $37 million contract, his future with the team is uncertain.

Marcus Stroman has a player option for 2026, which activates after 140 innings pitched in 2025, according to Spotrac. Last season, he pitched 154.2 innings for the Yankees, his most since 2021.

Stroman posted his worst adjusted ERA+ of 95 since his challenging 2018 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, finishing with a 4.31 ERA in 30 games (29 starts). The Yankees’ starting rotation is expected to feature Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Clark Schmidt.

Amid growing trade speculation and the New York Yankees‘ wide range of options, Stroman has fueled rumors by unfollowing the team on Instagram and deleting all traces of them from his profile.

Stroman: Is this a sign he’s ready to leave the Yankees?

The controversy surrounding Stroman has intensified, especially after former Yankees outfielder Cameron Maybin posted an intriguing message on X (formerly Twitter): “I think it’s safe to say we’ll hear back on Marcus Stroman soon,” Maybin wrote.

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Additionally, TheYanksCenter reported on Instagram: “TRENDING: Marcus Stroman has unfollowed the Yankees on Instagram and removed all traces of them from his profile. It looks like he’s ready to move on. The Yankees are reportedly working hard to trade him, so we’ll see what unfolds.”

What’s next for Stroman?

Although it’s unclear what Stroman’s actions on social media mean, the fact that he no longer follows the Yankees on Instagram hasn’t gone unnoticed and only further fuels rumors about his potential departure or a team change in MLB.