After the New York Yankees made a swift move following Juan Soto’s departure, the team has remained relatively quiet since then. With less than a month until Spring Training, the market seems to be at a standstill, with several free agents still waiting to be signed.
While the Yankees addressed their needs in the outfield and at first base, they still have a gap in the infield. Currently, Jazz Chisholm is expected to return to second base, while third base could be handled by internal options like D.J. LeMahieu or Oswaldo Cabrera.
The team is essentially in a holding pattern, waiting to clear Marcus Stroman’s $18 million contract before making any further moves. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees are trying to move off Stroman’s contract to free up cash for other acquisitions. Sherman noted that the Yankees’ inactivity is due to their efforts to unload the $18 million owed to Stroman for the 2025 season.
Sherman also pointed out that the Yankees are eyeing potential additions like left-handed relievers Tim Hill and Andrew Chafin, as well as versatile players like Kike Hernandez. They’re looking for depth in the lineup and a dependable lefty arm in the bullpen, but they need the financial flexibility to make these moves.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has emphasized reducing payroll this offseason, and moving Stroman’s contract would give the team more room to make the necessary roster upgrades.
Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million deal with the Yankees last offseason, spent most of 2024 in the starting rotation before being shifted to the bullpen in September. He did not appear in any postseason games.
The Yankees had already attempted to offload Stroman’s contract when they offered him as part of a trade for third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. However, the Cardinals declined that offer, and since then, the Yankees have struggled to find a trade partner. It’s clear that Stroman won’t be part of the Yankees’ 2025 plans, and it remains to be seen if they can find a team willing to take on his contract to give New York the financial flexibility they need.
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