Even after making the World Series in 2024, the New York Yankees should be seeking significant additions ahead of next season. After a single season in the Bronx, superstar slugger Juan Soto is a free agent and the team will have to bring him back on a major long-term contract or replace his production elsewhere. Infielder Gleyber Torres and reliever Clay Holmes are also exploring free agency and the Yankees have cut ties with everyday first baseman Anthony Rizzo as well.
As the Yankees look to reinforce a number of roster positions for 2025 and beyond, they could explore the trade market this winter. And Mark Feinsand of MLB.com named veteran starter Marcus Stroman as the Yankees’ one potential trade candidate. “Stroman is entering the final year of the two-year, $37 million contract he signed in January, though the deal includes a vesting $18 million player option if he throws 140 innings in 2025,” Feinsand wrote. “Stroman was slightly below average (95 ERA+) over 154 2/3 innings last season, posting a 4.31 ERA, but the 33-year-old did not make a single appearance for New York during the postseason. He could be a mid-rotation option for many clubs, but he doesn’t appear to be in the Yankees’ plans.”
Last winter, Stroman was coming off of his second-career All-Star season after maintaining a 3.95 ERA across 25 starts for the Chicago Cubs. After signing with the Yankees, the hope was that he would lead the rotation alongside fellow veteran Gerrit Cole. He started the season well in the team’s home opener, but he faded as the year went on and he did not pitch at all during the Yankees’ postseason run.
Still, another team might hope Stroman still has some quality starts left in the tank. And dealing him away might give the Yankees some valuable payroll freedom. “One way the Yankees can create additional flexibility is by trading Marcus Stroman,” Chris Kirschner noted for The Athletic. “It won’t be easy to get out of his contract, though. They’ll need to eat some of his money and likely attach a prospect to make taking Stroman’s 2025 salary and 2026 $18.5 million vesting option if he pitches 140 innings next season more palatable.”
As a result, one of last winter’s biggest acquisitions for the Yankees could be on his way out the door before 2025 begins.
