Yankees Contemplate Trading $37 Million Pitcher Following Bellinger’s Arrival
The New York Yankees, known for their recent flurry of activities in response to Juan Soto’s move to the crosstown rival New York Mets, have made another significant move by acquiring two-time Silver Slugger Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. With the Cubs contributing $5 million towards Bellinger’s $25 million owed for 2025, the Yankees’ payroll continues to expand, prompting speculation of potential roster adjustments.
Potential Trade of Marcus Stroman
In light of the Cody Bellinger acquisition, analysts project that the Yankees might seek to offload certain contracts to maintain financial flexibility. One prominent figure in trade rumors is Marcus Stroman, a two-time All-Star signed by the Yankees to a lucrative two-year, $37 million deal last year. Stroman’s underwhelming performance in the 2024 season, marked by a 4.31 ERA and absence from the playoffs, has cast doubt on his future with the team.
According to Rucker Haringey of FanSided, Stroman tops the list of players likely to be traded following the Bellinger deal. The Yankees appear inclined to part ways with Stroman due to his perceived overpayment relative to on-field contributions and management’s lack of confidence in his postseason capabilities. Consequently, the team may prioritize shedding Stroman’s $18.3 million salary for 2025 over retaining him for the upcoming season.
Impact on Yankees’ Pitching Rotation
The addition of Cody Bellinger, coupled with the arrival of veteran pitcher Max Fried, creates a crowded pitching rotation for the Yankees. Stroman, amidst strong competition from the likes of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt, faces the prospect of being displaced from the starting lineup. Additionally, the Yankees are exploring the potential signing of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, further complicating Stroman’s position within the team.
While finding a trade partner willing to absorb Stroman’s contract might prove challenging, the Yankees could sweeten the deal by offering promising prospects alongside the pitcher. Stroman’s departure, if realized, could signify a strategic move by the Yankees to realign their roster and financial commitments in pursuit of a more competitive and balanced team composition.
