The Yankees’ Quest to Trade Marcus Stroman
The New York Yankees have been on a relentless hunt for a trade destination for right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman over the past three months. With a hefty $18 million salary remaining on his contract, the Yankees are keen to unload as much of this financial burden as possible. However, finding a willing partner has proven challenging, and the Yankees may need to wait until a team faces injuries to its starting rotation. The Yankees’ patience is wearing thin, but they remain optimistic that the right opportunity will emerge before it’s too late.
Zach Pressnell’s Trade Proposal
As the Yankees bide their time, various trade scenarios have been floated by analysts and fans alike. One such proposal comes from Zach Pressnell of FanSided, who suggested a potential deal with the Miami Marlins. Under Pressnell’s proposal, the Yankees would send Stroman, catcher Engelth Urena, and $5 million to the Marlins in exchange for left-handed pitching prospect Dax Fulton and right-handed pitcher Connor Gillispie. This trade aims to balance the Yankees’ immediate need to shed salary with the acquisition of promising young talent.
Evaluating the Prospects
Dax Fulton, a 23-year-old left-handed pitcher, has been a starter throughout his minor league career. However, the Yankees would likely convert him into a reliever, given their current roster needs. Fulton’s potential is undeniable, but his recovery from his second Tommy John surgery at a young age introduces a significant level of risk. Despite the uncertainties, his potential as a future bullpen piece makes him an attractive prospect.
Connor Gillispie, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, has seen limited action in the major leagues, having made a few appearances out of the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen in 2024. Gillispie has struggled with walks, but his experience and ability to contribute to a bullpen could be valuable to the Yankees. The combination of Fulton’s upside and Gillispie’s immediate utility makes this trade proposal intriguing for the Yankees’ front office.
The Financial Implications
Given Stroman’s substantial salary, the Yankees are likely to have to absorb a portion of it in any trade. This financial consideration is a significant factor in their negotiations, as they aim to optimize their payroll while maintaining a competitive roster. Stroman’s unwillingness to transition to a bullpen role adds another layer of complexity to the situation, heightening the Yankees’ motivation to find a trade partner before the upcoming season.
The Urgency of the Situation
With spring training games not yet underway, the Yankees are under increasing pressure to find a suitable trade partner for Stroman. The longer they wait, the more challenging it becomes to find a team willing to take on his salary and playing time demands. The Yankees must act swiftly to avoid missing out on potential opportunities and to ensure they have a well-balanced roster heading into the 2025 season.
Additional News and Concerns
While the Stroman trade negotiations continue, the Yankees are dealing with other roster concerns. One of their breakout relievers is in danger of missing Opening Day due to an injury, adding to the team’s urgency to secure a bullpen piece through the Stroman trade. Additionally, the roster has faced other setbacks, including a concerning injury update for a $325 million playoff hero. These developments highlight the importance of finding a solution for Stroman, as the Yankees aim to maintain their status as a top contender in the American League.
