After undergoing his mandatory physical, Stroman wasn't seen on Wednesday and Thursday practicing with the rest of the team.
"I'm not going to speak for him," said Yankees manager Aaron Boone on why Stroman has been absent. "You can ask him for the reasons. I want him here, obviously, but we also have to respect the rules that are set up."
The league's mandatory report date is on February 22nd, which Boones expects Stroman to at least show up by.
"Of course, I want him here," said Boone. "I'm trying to keep nudging him to get here. But, again, you also have to respect the fact that this is something players are allowed to do. There's a mandatory date and he's choosing that right now."
Newly signed starting pitcher Max Fried is excited to meet Stroman.
The two-time All-Star spent last season with the Yankees, finishing with a 4.31 ERA (his worst since 2018) in 29 starts. His 113 strikeouts is also the lowest (min. 20 starts) since his rookie year (111) in 2011.
Stroman is set to earn $18 million this season.