The Yankees are reportedly “actively trying to deal” Marcus Stroman, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Stroman, who carries an $18.5 million luxury tax salary for the 2025 season, is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign. With his 34th birthday looming in May and a litany of red flags from last season, the Yankees appear eager to move on and free up financial flexibility.
A Tough 2024 for Stroman
Last season was anything but smooth for Stroman. Across 154.2 innings, he posted a 4.31 ERA, the third-highest of his career. More troubling, his strikeouts per nine dipped to a career-low 6.58, and his walk rate ballooned to 3.49 per nine, the highest mark of his career. Known for inducing ground balls throughout his career, Stroman saw his ground ball rate fall by nearly eight percent to 49.2%, an indicator that his once-reliable skill set may be faltering.
One of Stroman’s few remaining strengths—keeping runners stranded—also took a hit. His 73.9% left-on-base rate marked a steep decline from his 2023 numbers, adding to concerns about his overall effectiveness. These metrics suggest that Stroman has hit a significant wall, and at this point, the Yankees may see him as more of a liability than an asset.
Financial Incentives for a Deal
The Yankees have more than just performance concerns when it comes to Stroman. If he logs 140 innings in 2025, he triggers a 2026 player option that the Yankees would likely prefer to avoid. By trading him now, they can offload some, if not all, of his salary and avoid being tied to a declining player for another season.
Given Stroman’s struggles, the Yankees may have to eat a portion of his salary to find a suitable trade partner. However, even a partial salary dump could give them the breathing room needed to make additional moves. With their sights set on bigger goals and a stacked rotation, the Yankees are likely motivated to part ways sooner rather than later.
Opening the Door for Will Warren
Trading Stroman would also allow the Yankees to clear a path for Will Warren, one of their top pitching prospects. Warren, 25, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to carve out a consistent role in the big leagues. With Stroman gone, Warren could slot in as the team’s number six starter, providing depth and upside without the hefty price tag.
Warren’s development is a priority for the Yankees, and giving him more opportunities at the MLB level could pay dividends in the long term. His ability to step in and contribute would make Stroman’s departure much easier to stomach.
Holding Out for Roki Sasaki
Another reason the Yankees may feel comfortable moving on from Stroman is their interest in Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. While Sasaki’s future remains uncertain, the Yankees are reportedly in the mix to land the 22-year-old fireballer, whose fastball touches 102 mph. If they were to acquire Sasaki, he would instantly bolster a rotation that already features Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón.
Trading Stroman could help free up some of the financial flexibility needed to make a competitive offer for Sasaki, though landing him would be no small feat. Even without Sasaki, moving Stroman allows the Yankees to focus on pitchers with greater upside and a clearer path to contributing in a meaningful way.
The Waiting Game
At this point, it seems like a matter of when, not if, Stroman is traded. The Yankees are likely exploring all options, looking for the right trade partner to take on at least a portion of his salary. Whether it’s a team in need of a veteran starter or a franchise looking for salary relief in exchange for prospects, the Yankees have leverage to find a deal that works in their favor.
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By moving on from Stroman, the Yankees can pivot toward more promising opportunities, both financially and on the field, ensuring they remain a top contender in 2025.