The New York Yankees are reportedly exploring a trade involving veteran starter Marcus Stroman, with one proposal suggesting a three-player deal that would send him to the San Diego Padres. According to *Sporting News* analyst Patrick McAvoy, the Yankees would acquire All-Star reliever Robert Suárez in exchange for Stroman, 19-year-old Cuban outfield prospect Brando Mayea (ranked No. 14 in the Yankees’ system), and $5 million in cash to offset salary costs.
**Why It Works for the Yankees:**
Suárez, 33, would add elite bullpen depth, offering closing experience and a dominant 2024 campaign (2.77 ERA, 36 saves) to pair with newly acquired Devin Williams. This tandem could solidify the late innings for a Yankees team aiming to contend in 2025. Stroman, who struggled last season (4.32 ERA in 29 starts) and was left off the playoff roster, is entering the final year of his $37 million deal. Moving him would free payroll and address his apparent discontent, hinted at by his recent unfollowing of the Yankees’ Instagram account.
**Padres’ Perspective:**
San Diego gains a mid-rotation starter in Stroman to bolster their pitching staff and a high-ceiling prospect in Mayea, who hit .281 in rookie ball last year. The $5 million cash infusion would help absorb Stroman’s contract. Suárez, while effective, has an opt-out after 2025 on his five-year, $46 million deal, making him a potential short-term asset for the Padres.
**Bigger Picture:**
McAvoy argues the Yankees should “go all-in” on 2025 by prioritizing bullpen upgrades, especially after losing reliever Tommy Kahnle to the Tigers. Suárez’s postseason pedigree (3.1 scoreless innings and two saves in 2024) aligns with New York’s win-now mentality. Meanwhile, Stroman’s departure seems inevitable, as MLB insider Robert Murray confirms the Yankees are actively shopping him. While the trade carries risks—namely parting with a promising prospect—the Yankees’ focus on maximizing their championship window could make this a pivotal move.
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