With what we know so far, the New York Yankees are trying to offload Marcus Stroman with his $18 million salary. This could come amid the Yanks’ winter roster reshaping efforts. Considering him gone, the Yankees could see an All-Star infielder perfectly filling up the gap.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Luis Arraez would undoubtedly be an upgrade for New York, given the team’s current struggles to fill crucial positions in its lineup. The team is currently left with a mix of options, ranging from aging DJ LeMahieu to unproven talents like Oswald Peraza.
Arraez has a proven track record at the plate. He has an impressive .323 career batting average and .372 on-base percentage. If they can maximize these numbers, they could set the table for power hitters like Aaron Judge.
The Yankees are 'actively trying to deal' Marcus Stroman and his $18M salary, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/jmfhUQJICS
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) January 7, 2025
Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million contract last offseason, and there were high hopes for him. Unfortunately, his performance in 2024 did not meet those expectations. He ended with a 9-10 record and a 4.31 ERA, his highest since 2018.
Stroman’s struggles led to his being left off the Yankees’ roster for the ALDS. He only returned for the ALCS but did not play in the postseason. This disappointing end to the season has made the Yankees look to trade him and clear his hefty million-dollar salary, which indicates a big change in their pitching strategy.
Also Read: MLB Rumors: Yankees Drop Out On Alex Bregman As They Turn To Internal Options
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Marcus Stroman Finds Himself In An Odd Situation
Stroman is in a challenging situation. The New York Yankees are actively looking to trade him to relieve his $18 million salary. This comes after Stroman, a two-time All-Star, had a season that fell short of expectations. He posted a 4.31 ERA and ended up sitting out the postseason games despite being on the roster.
⚠️ The Yankees are reportedly "actively trying to deal" Marcus Stroman, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. #NYY pic.twitter.com/P3MI6hOdE1
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) January 7, 2025
Stroman has a strong career ERA of 3.72, proving he is still a capable starter. However, the arrival of star pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Max Fried has made him feel like an outsider in the crowded rotation.
As the Yankees work to move Stroman, they are aiming for a balance between competitiveness and financial flexibility. The crowded pitching staff, now featuring major talents alongside Fried, complicates their lineup decisions. Although they may not secure top-tier young prospects in a trade, they are likely to look for a swap involving another veteran with a similar contract.
Also Read: Yankees Mock Trade Could Land $13.7 Million Star To Boost Offensive Power
