The Yankees are eyeing the trade deadline as a chance to address their infield needs, and moving Marcus Stroman might be the key to unlocking everything else.
Stroman’s Yankees tenure hasn’t gone according to plan. The team signed him to a two-year, $37 million deal last offseason, but he struggled right out of the gate. New York actually tried shopping him earlier, but nothing came together.
Then injuries hit. With Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil sidelined, the Yankees suddenly needed Stroman’s innings. He made three starts before landing on the injured list himself – which might’ve been a blessing in disguise for his trade value.
The numbers tell the story. Stroman posted a 4.31 ERA last season and an ugly 11.57 ERA this year. But here’s the thing – he might still fetch a decent return.
The starting pitching market is thin this deadline. Sandy Alcántara, who everyone expected to be the crown jewel, has disappointed. That leaves options like Tyler Alexander, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly as the alternatives.
Stroman, based on his previous track record, might represent the best available right-handed starting option, alongside Arizona’s Zach Gallen and Merril Kelly should the Diamondbacks accept their fate as sellers at the deadline.
That’s from FanSided’s Stephen Parello, who thinks the Yankees could actually move Stroman – and should.
The Bigger Picture
Trading Stroman isn’t just about addition by subtraction. It’s about creating financial flexibility for the Yankees’ biggest need: second base.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is back at third, but DJ LeMahieu has been a problem at second. His struggles at the plate have made upgrading the position a priority.
Moving Stroman would clear the remaining $18 million on his deal. That’s real money that could be redirected toward landing a quality second baseman instead of settling for bargain options.
As Parello put it: that financial wiggle room would make the Yankees “a more complete team overall, better positioned to make a deep October run that hopefully ends in a more glorious fashion than 2024’s version.”
The Yankees learned last year that talent alone isn’t enough. Sometimes the best move is clearing out what isn’t working to make room for what might. Stroman could be exactly that kind of move – if they can find a taker.
