The New York Yankees have not been shy about their desire to trade pitcher Marcus Stroman.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported earlier in the week that the Yankees were actively looking to deal Stroman. On Thursday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees were willing to pay down part of Stroman’s salary to facilitate a trade.
Stroman had become expendable once the Yankees signed Max Fried to an eight-year, $216 million contract in December. Fried will slot behind Gerrit Cole to give the Yankees a formidable one-two punch atop the rotation.
The Yankees have already traded from their pitching depth to fill other holes on their roster this offseason. Starter Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin were sent to the Brewers for closer Devin Williams to help fortify the bullpen.
The same scenario may occur with Stroman. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Yankees and Padres had discussed a deal involving infielder Luis Arraez. While Heyman disputed that report, trading Stroman for infield help makes sense.
Stroman struggled after a strong start to the season. He posted a 4.31 ERA and a 1.468 WHiP in his 154.2 innings, striking out 113 batters with 60 walks. His ERA and WHiP were his worst marks since his injury-plagued 2018 season. Stroman is also due $18.5 million in 2025 and has a player option worth $18 million that vests should he reach 140 innings during the upcoming season.
Stroman does have value around the league. He has proven to be a dependable middle-of-the-rotation arm away from Yankee Stadium. Stroman could benefit a contender looking to fortify the pitching staff. If the Yankees want to pay to send him elsewhere, that would be even better for any interested teams. It may be a matter of time before Stroman has a new city to call home.
