The New York Yankees made a significant impact in free agency by inking pitcher Max Fried to a $218 million deal in December.
A recent report indicates that they are considering leveraging their solid starting rotation, beginning with a two-time All-Star.
Marcus Stroman, aged 33, is approaching the last year of a deal that will earn him $18.5 million in 2025. That’s a fair salary for a pitcher who has made at least 25 starts every year for the past four seasons and has a 113 ERA+ in that timeframe.
Due to his cost-effectiveness in comparison to similar free agents and his performance, Stroman serves as a significant trade asset for a Yankees squad aiming to remedy their defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
On Tuesday, Bob Nightengale from USA Today announced that New York is “actively seeking to trade” Stroman. Nightengale indicates that the Yankees are seeking assistance at second base and in the bullpen, particularly a left-handed reliever. If they are unable to obtain one through trade, maybe the funds saved by trading Stroman will enable them to sign one in free agency.
Stroman’s agreement additionally contains an $18 million player option for the 2026 season, which activates if he pitches a minimum of 140 innings this year.
Since 2021, Stroman has averaged 152 innings each season, recording a 36-38 record with a 3.67 ERA while playing for the Cubs, Mets, and Yankees. Between 2014 and 2019, Stroman recorded a 47-45 win-loss record and a 3.76 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays, who sent him to the New York Mets at the 2019 trade deadline.
In addition to Fried, the Yankees’ rotation features 2023 American League Cy Young Award recipient Gerrit Cole, 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt, and left-hander Carlos Rodon.
That barely allows space for Stroman, who might assist a playoff-bound team as an experienced innings-eater in 2025 and possibly into 2026 too. In comparison to the remaining choices in the free-agent market, Stroman is an appealing option for what would be a 1- or 2-year deal.
Right-hander Jack Flaherty played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ journey to the World Series championship in 2024 but faced challenges in 2023 and was hindered by injuries in the two years before that. Justin Verlander (42) and Max Scherzer (40) rank among the top pitchers of their era, yet they are past the age of 40. The age might also deter teams from pursuing right-hander Lance Lynn (38) and left-hander Wade Miley (38). Nick Pivetta, 32, turned down the qualifying offer from the Boston Red Sox and would need draft-pick compensation from the team that signs him.
In this context, the trading market for Stroman might be strong.
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