After the flurry of activity following the departure of Juan Soto, the New York Yankees have settled into a holding pattern. General Manager Brian Cashman has been active this offseason, securing key acquisitions like Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt, as well as orchestrating trades for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger. However, there is still work to be done if the Yankees are to be serious World Series contenders, particularly with the need to find another infielder to replace Gleyber Torres and add another arm to their bullpen.
Cashman has been more patient with these needs compared to earlier in the offseason, but there is still time for the Yankees to make the necessary moves. As Spring Training draws closer, here’s the latest update on the Yankees’ current situation.
Stroman Trade Talks Heat Up:
With the addition of Fried, the Yankees now find themselves with a crowded starting rotation, with six pitchers vying for five spots. The group includes Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman. Stroman, who struggled in 2024 and is owed $18 million for the upcoming season, is seen as the odd man out.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Cashman is actively trying to trade Stroman. Given his contract, finding a trade partner may be challenging, but with the pitching market still hot, the Yankees are hoping to avoid having his salary on the books for another year, especially with a player option for 2026.
Focus Shifts to Luis Arraez After Missing Out on Gavin Lux:
Marcus Stroman
After the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Hyeseong Kim, Gavin Lux was expected to be traded, and the Yankees were seen as a potential landing spot. However, Lux was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds, leaving the Yankees in need of a replacement at either second or third base.
A potential solution is Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion, whom the San Diego Padres are reportedly open to moving as they seek to reduce payroll. Arraez would fill the leadoff spot and solidify New York’s lineup. Though there are concerns about his defense, Arraez is still considered a strong option for the Yankees, who may face a lack of depth if they can’t secure him.
CC Sabathia’s Hall of Fame Case:
In addition to the roster moves, there’s been discussion about the legacy of former Yankees ace CC Sabathia. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently delved into his Hall of Fame ballot, with a special focus on Sabathia’s candidacy. Sabathia’s overall career numbers are certainly impressive, but what sets him apart is his peak performance from 2007 to 2011, which included a Cy Young award and several high finishes in the voting.
His role in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series win further solidified his place in franchise history. While his later years with the Yankees as a back-end option may have slightly hurt his overall profile, Sabathia’s best years made him one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, making him a likely Hall of Fame candidate.
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