ESPN: Yankees’ $37 million two-time all-star named as a trade candidate following a struggling season.

The New York Yankees should be looking to make big acquisitions before the 2024 season, even after winning the World Series. Superstar slugger Juan Soto is a free agency after only one season in the Bronx, and the organization will need to either replace his output elsewhere or sign him to a significant long-term contract. The Yankees have severed their relationship with regular first baseman Anthony Rizzo, while infielders Gleyber Torres and reliever Clay Holmes are also considering free agency.

The Yankees may investigate the trade market this winter as they want to strengthen many roster spots for 2025 and beyond. Additionally, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified experienced pitcher Marcus Stroman as the Yankees’ only possible trade target.

“Stroman is entering the final year of the two-year, $37 million contract he signed in January, though the deal includes a vesting $18 million player option if he throws 140 innings in 2025,” noted Feinsand. “Stroman, 33, did not play for New York in the postseason despite having a 4.31 ERA and a slightly below-average (95 ERA+) 154 2/3 innings pitched previous season. Although he doesn’t seem to be in the Yankees’ plans, he may be a mid-rotation option for several organizations.

Stroman had just finished his second career All-Star season with the Chicago Cubs last winter, pitching 25 starts with a 3.95 ERA. It was hoped that he would head the rotation alongside fellow veteran Gerrit Cole after joining the Yankees. He had a strong start to the season in the team’s home opener, but as the season progressed, he lost his mojo and did not pitch throughout the Yankees’ postseason run. However, a different team would hope Stroman has a few more strong starts remaining. Additionally, the Yankees may gain some important payroll flexibility if they send him away.

Chris Kirschner wrote for The Athletic, “Trading Marcus Stroman is one way the Yankees can create additional flexibility.” However, it won’t be simple to terminate his contract. To make it more acceptable to accept Stroman’s 2025 salary and 2026 $18.5 million vesting option if he pitches 140 innings the following season, they’ll have to eat part of his money and probably attach a prospect. Because of this, one of the Yankees’ largest additions from the previous winter may be leaving before 2025 even starts.