In saga with the Yankees, has Marcus Stroman gotten the last laugh?

The right-hander openly clashed with Yankees management over his role, refusing to entertain the idea of pitching out of the bullpen. After struggling down the stretch last season and finding himself at the bottom of the team's postseason pecking order, Stroman's frustration was understandable - but his approach left little room for compromise.

When the Yankees made a major splash by signing Max Fried, Stroman's spot in the rotation appeared all but gone. His refusal to accept a bullpen assignment led to tension, and it all boiled over when Stroman skipped the early days of camp, only reporting after a very public airing of grievances.

It's a situation Blue Jays fans know well. While Stroman was an undeniably talented starter - and a key piece of Toronto's magical 2015 postseason run - his outspoken personality and frequent clashes with teammates and fans often overshadowed his performance on the mound.

But now, it appears Stroman holds the upper hand. With Luis Gil sidelined for several weeks due to injury, the Yankees suddenly find themselves in need of a starter. And despite all the drama, Stroman is the most qualified option available.

Adding to the awkwardness is Stroman's vesting option for 2027, which triggers if he reaches 140 innings this season - a milestone that now seems well within reach.

For Stroman, it's a small victory - a reminder that, even when he's at odds with the organization, he often finds a way to get what he wants. Baseball can be funny in that regard.

For Blue Jays fans, it's a familiar story, one they've seen play out before.