The New York Yankees find themselves in a complex financial situation as they attempt to navigate the 2025 season, with Marcus Stroman’s contract emerging as a significant impediment to their roster flexibility. The veteran right-hander, who joined the team on a two-year, $37 million commitment prior to the 2024 campaign, has become a primary trade candidate as the Yankees seek to optimize their payroll and address remaining roster deficiencies. However, moving Stroman’s substantial $18 million salary for 2025, combined with a potentially problematic 2026 player option, presents considerable challenges in the current market.

Yankees in limbo over Stroman’s current status

In a remarkable turn of events, the pitcher who represented the Yankees’ marquee free-agent acquisition of January 2024 now finds himself relegated to sixth starter status entering spring training. The Yankees’ rotation appears set with Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt, leaving Stroman without a clear path to regular starts. His limited experience in relief roles further complicates the situation, making a bullpen transition unlikely.

Though rotation injuries could create opportunities, the Yankees’ front office prioritizes moving his contract to enhance roster flexibility. Currently positioned precariously close to the highest luxury tax threshold of $301 million, with Cot’s Contracts estimating their payroll at $302.9 million, the team’s ability to pursue additional needs—including a left-handed reliever, infield help, or catching depth—remains constrained by Stroman’s contract.

Performance analysis and market value

Jason Szenes / NYP
Stroman’s 2024 campaign presents a stark contrast in performance. His initial 16 starts showcased his potential value, producing a 3.15 ERA and suggesting he could be a reliable rotation piece. However, his effectiveness drastically declined over his final 14 appearances, where he struggled to a 5.97 ERA while opponents compiled a .341 batting average and .867 OPS. His relegation to the bullpen by September and limited postseason role—making rosters but not appearing in the ALCS or World Series—further complicated his trade value.

Market conditions present additional challenges, as teams can still pursue established starters like Jack Flaherty, Nick Pivetta, Kyle Gibson, Jose Quintana, Andrew Heaney, and Lance Lynn through free agency. The availability of Dylan Cease on the trade market provides another alternative for pitching-hungry teams.

The vesting option complicates the matter

Perhaps the most significant obstacle in trade discussions centers on Stroman’s 2026 player option, which automatically vests at $18.3 million upon reaching 140 innings in 2025. This provision creates substantial financial risk for potential trade partners, who must consider the possibility of a two-year financial commitment.

These circumstances suggest the Yankees may need to either absorb a portion of the financial obligation or include additional prospects to facilitate a transaction.

Exploring potential trade partners

San Diego Padres

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The Padres previously expressed interest in Stroman, per Jon Heyman of The New York Post. While currently focused on reducing payroll, they might consider a creative structure involving Luis Arráez’s $14 million contract. San Diego’s rotation of Dylan Cease, Michael King, Yu Darvish, Randy Vásquez, and Matt Waldron could benefit from Stroman’s experience, though additional incentives from the Yankees may be necessary.

St. Louis Cardinals

CBS
Previous discussions between the Cardinals and Yankees involving Nolan Arenado didn’t materialize, but St. Louis’s continued interest in moving Arenado’s remaining three years and $74 million could revive negotiations. Their current rotation of Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, Steven Matz, and Miles Mikolas suggests room for another established starter in their pursuit of NL Central contention.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins present an intriguing possibility with MLB’s lowest projected payroll at $83.9 million. Their rotation, impacted by Sandy Alcantara’s Tommy John surgery and relying on Ryan Weathers, Edward Cabrera, and Max Meyer, could benefit from Stroman’s stability. However, convincing Miami to take on a significant salary might require additional incentives from New York.

Industry perspectives and timeline

Greg Joyce of The New York Post anticipates a resolution before spring training concludes, citing the impracticality of carrying an $18 million sixth starter. Former Yankee Cameron Maybin’s recent social media activity has further fueled speculation about an imminent move.

The approach of key deadlines often accelerates transaction activity, suggesting increased momentum as Opening Day approaches.

Implications and outlook

AP Photo/Bryan Woolston
The resolution of the Stroman situation represents a crucial pivot point in the Yankees‘ offseason strategy. Their ability to navigate this challenge will significantly impact their flexibility to address remaining roster needs and manage luxury tax considerations.

As negotiations continue, the Yankees must balance multiple priorities: creating rotation depth, maintaining payroll flexibility, and maximizing return in any potential trade. Finding a partner willing to assume Stroman’s contract—whether partially or in full—while providing fair value remains the primary challenge.

The coming weeks will prove critical in determining whether the Yankees can successfully resolve this situation and position themselves optimally for the 2025 campaign. The outcome of these trade discussions could significantly influence their ability to make additional roster improvements and maintain a competitive position in a challenging AL East landscape.

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