Buckle up, Yankees fans, because it’s time for a bold move! With Ryan Yarbrough and Will Warren solidifying the rotation’s back end, it’s surprising to consider ditching a veteran like Marcus Stroman. However, this is precisely what the Bronx Bombers should do to boost their roster.
Stroman has been sidelined since mid-April due to a knee injury, logging only 9.1 innings across three starts. He’s finally facing live hitters again, but the Yankees have been thriving without him. Clarke Schmidt’s return has provided stability, and Yarbrough has been a revelation in the rotation. While there’s a chance Yarbrough’s magic may fade, the Yankees have a safety net with AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil waiting in the wings.
So, why should the Yankees choose Stroman over Warren? While Warren, at 26, displays promising potential, his recent performance, such as his May 31st meltdown against the Dodgers (7 earned runs in 1.1 innings), has been disappointing. Stroman, at 34, offers reliability, but he lacks Warren’s upside. If the Yankees are betting on a young pitcher, Warren presents a better gamble.
Here’s the intriguing part: trading Stroman could be a game-changer. His $18 million salary is a significant burden, but with his 2026 vesting option removed, his trade value is skyrocketing. The starting pitching market is currently thin, with Sandy Alcantara struggling post-surgery and Tyler Anderson’s performance resembling that of a Yarbrough. Stroman, with his proven track record, could be the top right-hander available, potentially alongside Arizona’s Zach Gallen or Merrill Kelly if the D-backs decide to sell.
Dismissing Stroman’s contract would provide the Yankees with financial flexibility to address their glaring hole at second base. This would allow them to pursue elite talent instead of settling for bargain-basement options. With the looming luxury tax, this move gives the front office the opportunity to build a formidable team capable of a deep October run, hopefully culminating in World Series glory, unlike last year’s disappointing finish.
Trading Stroman isn’t just a prudent decision; it’s the catalyst the Yankees need to ignite a championship chase!
