Yankees could cut ties with $37 million starter to add All-Star third baseman

The New York Yankees lost Juan Soto to the New York Mets this offseason. They have added lots of new talent, but they could move one of their less favorable contracts to help bring in another All-Star.

MLB Trade Rumors' Mark Polishuk noted that Marcus Stroman's "unfavorable" contract could be getting in the way of them adding either Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado. Their projected $303.2 million luxury tax number is already exceeding the $301 million threshold, according to FanGraphs. They could look to move Stroman and his contract if they want to bring in an elite third baseman.

"The Yankees could reduce their tax bill by trying to move Stroman or another unfavorable contract, yet the payroll situation might hint at why Arenado or Bregman aren’t (or no longer are) on the radar," wrote Polishuk. "Signing Bregman would require a far higher investment than taking most or all of Arenado’s contract in a trade, plus since Bregman rejected Houston’s qualifying offer, the Yankees would need to give up two draft picks and $1MM in international bonus pool money."

Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million deal last offseason with the Yankees. He had a 4.31 ERA in 29 starts last season. Next season he is due $18.3 million and has a vesting option if he pitches 140 innings in 2025. He did not pitch for the Yankees in the postseason.

Adding Arenado or Bregman would cost the Yankees a lot, but trading Stroman could give them some flexibility. Adding a third baseman would move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base.

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