The New York Yankees have been making some significant moves during their offseason, one of which includes acquiring starting pitcher Max Fried. Fried is expected to join Gerrit Cole at the top of the starting rotation for the Bronx Bombers. However, this acquisition has led to a bit of a logjam in the starting rotation, with six big league starters already on the team and additional prospects who could potentially fill in for the 2025 season. In order to avoid losing valuable players for nothing, the Yankees may need to make further moves.
One potential trade scenario that has been suggested is for the Yankees to trade starting pitcher Marcus Stroman back to the Toronto Blue Jays. Stroman, who began his career with Toronto, could be moved to alleviate some of the financial burden on the Yankees, as his $18 million contract for 2025 may be more than the team wants to take on. In return, the Yankees could receive two “lottery pick prospects” from the Blue Jays, further adding to their farm system and potentially strengthening their roster in the long term.
By trading Stroman, the Yankees would not only free up some salary cap space but also potentially open up opportunities to strengthen other areas of their roster. With the extra financial flexibility, the team could pursue a better infielder to fill the gap at third base or bolster their bullpen with additional signings. Stroman, on the other hand, would return to the Blue Jays as a more established starter, providing stability to their rotation as they aim to compete in the upcoming season.
The decision to trade Stroman would ultimately depend on the Yankees’ long-term strategy and priorities for the upcoming season. While Stroman has proven himself as a reliable pitcher, the financial implications of his contract may prompt the team to explore other options. Additionally, the Blue Jays’ interest in acquiring Stroman would also play a significant role in determining the likelihood of such a trade taking place. Overall, the speculation surrounding Stroman’s potential return to Toronto highlights the complexities involved in managing a team’s roster and finances in Major League Baseball.
As the offseason progresses and teams continue to shape their rosters for the upcoming season, the Yankees will need to carefully assess their options and make strategic moves to ensure they remain competitive in a highly competitive league. Whether or not a trade involving Marcus Stroman materializes, the Yankees will need to make decisions that balance short-term success with long-term sustainability to position themselves as contenders in the American League East and beyond. Only time will tell what moves the team makes to solidify their roster for the 2025 season and beyond.
