The Yankees find themselves in a bit of a pickle with Marcus Stroman. He’s a talented pitcher, a two-time All-Star who’s capable of eating innings and providing valuable depth. But his hefty $18 million salary and his underwhelming performance last season have raised questions about his future in the Bronx.
The Yankees have a surplus of starting pitching, with Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt all vying for a spot in the rotation. Stroman, despite his experience, has become the odd man out, relegated to the bullpen and left off the playoff roster.
This situation presents a challenge for the Yankees. They don’t want to waste Stroman’s talent, but they also don’t want to pay a premium for a pitcher who’s not in their immediate plans. The ideal solution would be to trade Stroman, freeing up salary space and acquiring a valuable asset in return.
The Yankees could target a left-handed reliever, a position of need for their bullpen. A trade for someone like T.J. McFarland would make sense, as he’s affordable and has a proven track record. This would allow the Yankees to bolster their bullpen while also shedding Stroman’s salary.
However, the Yankees might be hesitant to part with Stroman, especially with the long season ahead. Injuries are always a concern, and having a reliable veteran like Stroman in the bullpen could prove valuable if one of their starters goes down.
The Yankees have a tough decision to make. Do they trade Stroman and risk being short-handed if injuries strike? Or do they keep him and hope he can rediscover his All-Star form? The next few months will be crucial for Stroman and the Yankees, as they try to find a solution that benefits both sides.
