The New York Yankees are contemplating trading starting pitcher Marcus Stroman during the upcoming offseason, a move that aligns with their current roster configuration and financial considerations. Stroman, despite his talent and ability to serve as a starting pitcher for numerous teams, has become expendable following the Yankees’ acquisition of Max Fried. His significant salary of nearly $20 million further incentivizes the Yankees to explore trade options. The inability of Stroman to secure a spot on the 2024 World Series roster underscores his diminished role within the team. This potential trade presents an opportunity for the Yankees to reallocate resources and potentially address other areas of need.
One proposed trade scenario, suggested by Jacob Mountz of FanSided, involves a swap with the crosstown rival New York Mets. This hypothetical trade would see the Yankees send Stroman and outfield prospect Everson Pereira to the Mets in exchange for infielder Jeff McNeil. Such a trade could benefit both teams. The Yankees would acquire a reliable infielder in McNeil, who could potentially replace Gleyber Torres. While McNeil experienced a statistically underwhelming 2024 season, attributed partly to injuries, his track record suggests a higher level of performance. The Mets, in return, would gain a proven starting pitcher in Stroman to bolster their rotation and a promising young outfielder in Pereira.
For the Yankees, the acquisition of McNeil addresses a potential need at second base. While McNeil’s 2024 season was marked by a dip in production, his career statistics paint a picture of a consistent and valuable player. His batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, while lower in 2024 than in previous seasons, still hold potential for rebounding. The Yankees might view McNeil as a more reliable option than Torres, offering stability and consistency to their lineup. This trade scenario allows the Yankees to address their infield needs while simultaneously shedding Stroman’s substantial salary.
From the Mets’ perspective, acquiring Stroman would provide much-needed reinforcement to their starting pitching rotation. Stroman’s experience and track record offer a sense of stability and dependability, particularly alongside Sean Manaea. The addition of Pereira, a highly-rated prospect, further sweetens the deal for the Mets. While Pereira’s major league stint was brief and unsuccessful, his minor league performance suggests significant potential. His recovery from Tommy John surgery is anticipated for the 2025 season, providing the Mets with additional outfield depth in the future.
The potential trade offers distinct advantages for both teams involved. The Yankees would gain a reliable infielder in McNeil, potentially upgrading their offensive production and defensive stability while addressing a key positional need. The shedding of Stroman’s salary further enhances the financial flexibility of the Yankees. The Mets, conversely, would bolster their starting rotation with a veteran presence in Stroman and acquire a promising prospect in Pereira. This trade scenario represents a potentially mutually beneficial exchange that addresses the specific needs of both New York teams.
Beyond the potential Stroman trade, the Yankees’ offseason moves could extend to other areas of the roster. Speculation exists regarding the pursuit of a high-profile closer to replace Carlos Estévez, potentially involving a significant financial investment. The Phillies are also rumored to be in the market for a closer, which could create competition for available talent. The Yankees’ offseason strategy will likely involve a combination of player acquisitions and departures, aiming to optimize their roster for a competitive 2025 season. These potential moves reflect the dynamic nature of professional baseball, where teams constantly seek to improve and adapt to changing circumstances.
