Yankees Offseason Buzz: Trade Rumors, Infield Upgrades, and the Pursuit of a Championship in 2025

As the MLB offseason intensifies, the New York Yankees find themselves at the center of swirling trade rumors and bold roster speculation. After a heartbreaking loss in the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Bronx Bombers are under immense pressure to retool and strengthen their squad for a return to glory in 2025. With the trade market heating up and free agency in full swing, every move the Yankees make this winter could play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future and reigniting their championship aspirations.

One of the most pressing questions facing Yankees fans and the front office alike is the future of Marcus Stroman. The All-Star pitcher, who joined the Yankees with high expectations, delivered a mixed bag in his first season in pinstripes. Stroman ended 2024 with a 4.30 ERA across 30 games (29 starts), and his strikeout rate was among the lowest of his career. For a pitcher earning $18 million per year, these numbers have sparked debate about his ongoing role with the team. Stroman’s struggles echo a similar dip in form he experienced in 2015, following an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the season. Now, as he approaches his age-34 season, the Yankees must decide whether to give Stroman another chance or explore a trade that could benefit both player and club.

The Toronto Blue Jays, Stroman’s former team, have emerged as a potential trade partner. After losing key rotation pieces like Corbin Burns and Max Fried, the Blue Jays are in urgent need of a reliable starter. Stroman, who posted a 2.96 ERA in 21 games for Toronto before his 2019 trade to the Mets, remains a fan favorite north of the border. A return to Toronto, where he enjoyed some of his best years, could help him rediscover his top form. Analysts have speculated on possible trade scenarios, including a deal that would send Stroman to the Blue Jays in exchange for two promising prospects: left-handed pitcher Kendry Roas (Toronto’s No. 11 prospect) and infielder Denson Pino (No. 17). For the Yankees, such a trade would clear payroll and add valuable depth to their farm system, while the Blue Jays would bolster their rotation without the burden of ace-level expectations for Stroman.

While pitching remains a focal point, the Yankees’ infield is also under the microscope. The departure of Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Detroit Tigers, has left a significant void, particularly at second base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is currently the frontrunner to take over the position, but questions linger about third base, where options like DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza have yet to inspire full confidence. In response, the Yankees are reportedly exploring trade options to shore up their infield, with Gavin Lux of the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as a prime target.

Gavin Lux, 27, was a first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft and brings a blend of potential and versatility. Although his career with the Dodgers has been hampered by injuries—most notably an ACL tear that cost him the 2023 season—Lux has shown flashes of promise. His best campaign came in 2022, when he slashed .276/.346/.399 with a .745 OPS. Lux also offers a left-handed bat, which could help balance the Yankees’ lineup, and he remains under team control for two more seasons at a reasonable salary. However, there are concerns: Lux struggled defensively in 2024, posting -2 Outs Above Average, and his career numbers against left-handed pitchers (.202 average, .552 OPS) are underwhelming. Still, with the Dodgers’ recent acquisition of Ha-Seong Kim, Lux may be expendable, making a trade more feasible.

The Yankees have a history of working out deals with the Dodgers, despite their recent World Series rivalry. Past trades, such as Joey Gallo for Clayton Beeter in 2022 and the swap of Victor Gonzalez and Jorbit Vivas for Trey Sweeney last winter, show that business between these two franchises is possible. However, the Yankees may face stiff competition from teams like the Seattle Mariners, who have reportedly shown strong interest in Lux. For New York, the decision will come down to whether Lux’s upside outweighs the risk, and if he represents a better option than internal candidates like LeMahieu or Peraza.

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor of the offseason involves a potential blockbuster trade for Carlos Correa, the Minnesota Twins’ star shortstop. Correa, one of the game’s premier infielders when healthy, posted a .905 OPS in just 86 games last season, demonstrating his ability to deliver in clutch moments. However, injuries have been a recurring issue, and his massive contract—six years and $200 million remaining, plus $75 million in options—presents a significant financial commitment. For the Yankees, acquiring Correa would likely require him to shift to third base, as Chisholm is expected to anchor second. Correa has previously expressed willingness to change positions, nearly doing so during his brief agreement with the Mets. Moving to third could also help reduce his injury risk, as the position demands less defensive range than shortstop.

A trade for Correa would not come cheap. Potential packages floated by analysts include sending Clark Schmidt, a solid starting pitcher, Oswaldo Cabrera, a versatile young utility player, and Will Warren, one of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects, to Minnesota. For the Twins, such a deal would alleviate the burden of Correa’s contract while adding immediate and future talent. For the Yankees, it would be an all-in move to secure another star for their already formidable roster, joining recent additions like Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger.

Of course, Correa’s history is not without controversy. His involvement with the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal makes him a polarizing figure, especially among Yankees fans. While some may never fully embrace him, others could be swayed if Correa helps deliver a championship to the Bronx. Ultimately, winning has a way of healing old wounds, and the Yankees’ fan base is hungry for another title.

As the offseason progresses, the Yankees’ front office faces critical decisions that will shape the team’s trajectory for years to come. Whether it’s moving on from Marcus Stroman, trading for Gavin Lux or Carlos Correa, or trusting in their homegrown talent, every move is under the microscope. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim. But with a strong core, deep resources, and an unwavering commitment to winning, the Yankees are poised to make headlines—and perhaps history—in 2025.

Now, the question turns to the fans: Are you ready for the next big move? Would you welcome Gavin Lux or Carlos Correa to the Bronx? Is it time to bid farewell to Marcus Stroman, or does he deserve another chance in pinstripes? Share your thoughts and join the conversation as the Yankees chart their path back to the top of the baseball world. The future is bright, and the journey has only just begun.