Jayden Stroman's long, winding road toward professional baseball makes stop at Patchogue-Medford High
Jayden Stroman wakes up at about 6 a.m., just as the sun begins to appear. Can’t sleep in. There’s work to do.
Early-morning workouts are part of a daily routine. Running, lifting, baseball skills training and meetings with a mental coach are all part of the equation.
Jayden Stroman is living his dream of playing pro baseball. He will be auditioning for the major league draft with Patchogue-Medford this spring, and then it’s on to Duke University in the fall.
Stroman is home now for his senior year. He spent the ninth and 10th grades at Stony Brook Prep, then transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, one of the top prep programs in the country.
“Every stop along the way helped me grow as a person and as a player,” he said. “I learned time management at Stony Brook to make ample time for studies. I also learned how to ask questions, listen more and talk less. IMG was a great experience as I was around all the ex-big-leaguers teaching the game. I loved it. I was like a sponge just listening and learning.”
Stroman, a 6-1, 205-pound phenom, has climbed the MLB prospects ladder, and was just named a preseason Perfect Game All-American. A righthanded pitcher, he has been clocked at 97 miles per hour. He's also a dynamic switch-hitter.
“He’s an interesting prospect, a powerful two-way player,” said Sal Agostinelli, the International Scouting Director for the Philadelphia Phillies. “We saw him play in the Dominican Republic and he’s got outstanding tools.”
It’s tough growing up Stroman. Jayden’s older brother, Marcus, is in the Yankees' starting rotation and enjoying a successful 10-year major league career.
“I’m proud of his work ethic and focus,” Marcus said from Yankees spring training. “He’s carving his own path, and we talk all the time — and it’s not always about baseball. He’s special in every way.”
With the pedigree comes natural comparisons and expectations for Jayden. When Marcus worked through the process, he was told that he couldn’t succeed because of his size. But that was his motivation, and he developed a "me against the world" mentality.
For Jayden Stroman, who is big and strong, the expectations are different, especially as the brother of a major leaguer.
“I love my brother and everything he’s accomplished,” Jayden said. “He’s set the bar. He’s met every challenge thrown his way and that should be respected.”
Jayden's father, Earl Stroman, knows the pressure of being a blue-chip prospect. From his perspective. having guided Marcus through the recruitment process is an advantage for Jayden.
“Marcus and Jayden are two totally different people,” Earl said. “I am blessed with two outstanding boys who were as good in the classroom as they were on the field. Our family is surrounded by a group of loyal friends who support us through the process which is starting all over with Jayden.”
Patchogue-Medford opens the League I season at home against Riverhead on April 1. Jayden will be at shortstop as the plan is to pitch him in the third game of each series.
“When we heard he was coming home for his senior year we were all excited,” Patchogue-Medford coach Anthony Frascogna said. “He’s happy to be back with all his friends from middle school. His return was seamless. His first day back was like he never left.”
During batting practice in a recent workout at Medford Athletic Complex, Stroman launched many balls over the 340-foot fence in centerfield — from both sides of the plate.
“He’s extremely humble and takes BP with a smile, just really enjoying the game,” Frascogna said. “I’ve never seen a player run or hit like him. He’s the best athlete we’ve seen in my 25 years.”
Frascogna said Stroman has hit balls deep into the parking lot beyond the rightfield fence, an area few players have reached.
“There should be a parking at your own risk out there at all times,” he said with a laugh. “Jayden has hit balls well over 400 feet in practice. His power is like we’ve never seen.”
Jayden's mother Michaela Stroman, a nurse at Stony Brook Hospital, has reset her busy spring schedule to attend her son's games.
“It’s amazing having him home for his senior year,” she said. “I missed him terribly. I’m in awe of how he’s been able to adjust to the different schools, maintain his grades and persevere in challenging moments. There are crazy expectations, and we know his journey is under a microscope.”
In addition to his work on the baseball field, Jayden carries a 4.0-grade point average in the classroom.
“He’s gone through growing pains like any other kid,” Michaela said. “But with social media attention everyone knows his business. We want him to block out the noise and potential distractions.”
Michaela said she is happy Jayden and Marcus have a strong bond.
“Marcus treats him so well and takes the time to speak with him and share experiences,” she said. “He’s there for him for important life conversations that are not consumed by baseball. They have a true brother relationship and I’m forever grateful for that.”
As far as NIL financial deals, Jayden said he has been approached by a few companies and has considered some deals.
“I’m waiting to hear from my adviser what I can and can’t do regarding Duke,” Jayden said. “It can get complicated, and I’ll let Brodie handle it as I concentrate on school and the baseball season.”
Brodie is Brodie Van Wagenen, a friend of the family whom Earl has known for several years.
“I want to keep Jayden focused on his journey and try and make it as enjoyable as possible,” Earl said. “The business side of all of this can be very stressful and take the joy out of the game.”
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.