The Yankees may have to keep Stroman if they canât find a trade partner.
As ESPNâs Buster Olney noted, Stromanâs vesting option significantly makes trade discussions more difficult.
âThe Stroman talks will be greatly complicated by his vesting option,â Olney reported, adding that rival teams expect the Yankees to absorb a substantial portion of his salary to facilitate a deal.
Stromanâs performance in 2024 was mixed. He started the season strong, posting a 2.82 ERA through his first 14 starts, but his numbers deteriorated as the season progressed. He finished with a 4.31 ERA and a 4.94 expected ERA, while his groundball rate (49.9%) fell well below his career average. His sinker velocity also dipped, raising concerns about his long-term effectiveness.
Despite these issues, Stromanâs durabilityâ29 starts and 154 2/3 innings pitchedâwas a positive, especially for a Yankees rotation often plagued by injuries.
The Yankees continue to shop Marcus Stroman ahead of the 2025 season
However, potential suitors seem hesitant. Teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could use pitching depth, reportedly expect the Yankees to significantly lower Stromanâs salary closer to the $5 million range seen in deals like Martin PĂ©rezâs with the White Sox. Without such concessions, the market for Stroman remains limited.
Still, there are reasons for the Yankees to consider keeping Stroman. As manager Aaron Boone highlighted, Stroman was a valuable contributor during the regular season and a positive clubhouse presence, mentoring younger pitchers like Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil.
âStro⊠was one of the reasons we were able to win the division and get through the playoffs,â Boone said in December.
The Yankeesâ pitching depth includes inexperienced arms like Will Warren and Clayton Beeter, making Stroman a valuable insurance policy. Injuries are a constant threat, and having a veteran like Stroman ready to step in could be crucial.
Ultimately, the New York Yankees face a tough decision: hold on to Stroman and absorb his salary or reduce their financial burden by eating a significant portion of his contract in a trade. With time running out before spring training, the Yankees must weigh their options carefully. As Olney put it, âThe ball is in the Yankeesâ court to make a deal happen.â
