The New York Yankees made a huge splash in free agency by signing pitcher Max Fried to a $218 million contract in December.
According to a new report, they’re now looking to trade from their strong starting rotation — starting with a two-time All-Star.
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Marcus Stroman, 33, is entering the final year of a contract that will pay him $18.5 million in 2025. That’s a reasonable salary for a pitcher who has started at least 25 games each of the last four seasons, and holds a 113 ERA+ during that span.
Between his affordability relative to comparable free agents and his production, Stroman is a valuable trade chip for a Yankees team looking to avenge their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Tuesday that New York is “actively trying to deal” Stroman. Nightengale reports the Yankees are looking for help at second base and in the bullpen — specifically a left-handed reliever. If they cannot acquire one via trade, perhaps the money saved by dealing Stroman will allow them to sign one in free agency.
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Stroman’s contract also includes an $18 million player option for the 2026 season that vests if he throws at least 140 innings this year.
Stroman has averaged 152 innings per season since 2021, going 36-38 with a 3.67 ERA for the Cubs, Mets and Yankees during that span. From 2014-19, Stroman went 47-45 with a 3.76 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays, who traded him to the New York Mets at the 2019 deadline.
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Besides Fried, the Yankees’ rotation boasts 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, right-hander Clarke Schmidt and left-hander Carlos Rodon.
That hardly leaves room for Stroman, who could help a contending team as a veteran innings-eater in 2025 and perhaps 2026 as well. Compared to the available options left in the free-agent market, Stroman represents an attractive alternative on what amounts to a 1- or 2-year contract.
Right-hander Jack Flaherty was instrumental in the Dodgers’ run to the World Series title in 2024 but struggled in 2023 and was limited by injuries the previous two years. Justin Verlander (42) and Max Scherzer (40) are among the best pitchers of their generation, but are on the wrong side of 40. Age also could be scaring teams off right-hander Lance Lynn (38), left-hander Wade Miley (38). Nick Pivetta, 32, rejected the Boston Red Sox’s qualifying offer and would require draft-pick compensation from his signing team.
Against this backdrop, the trade market for Stroman could be robust.
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