As the MLB offseason heats up, rumors swirl around some of the biggest names in baseball, and for New York Yankees fans, one of the most intriguing storylines is the possibility of adding starting pitcher **Marcus Stroman** to their rotation. Reports have surfaced that the **Chicago Cubs** are “actively” shopping Stroman, who is set to become a free agent in 2025. With a strong 2023 campaign under his belt, Stroman’s name is now being tossed around in trade talks as the Yankees look to bolster their pitching staff for the 2024 season and beyond.
But what does this potential trade mean for the Yankees, and what should fans expect if Stroman does end up in pinstripes? Let’s take a closer look at the situation, the pitcher himself, and how he could fit into New York’s future plans.
### Marcus Stroman: The Player
**Marcus Stroman**, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, has been one of the most consistent and reliable starters in baseball over the past decade. Known for his high ground-ball rate, exceptional sinker, and fiery on-the-mound demeanor, Stroman has always been a fan favorite in whichever clubhouse he occupies.
After being traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the New York Mets in 2019, Stroman has developed a reputation as a dependable workhorse, providing innings and stability for his teams. His tenure with the Cubs, which began in 2022, has been similarly productive. In 2023, Stroman posted an **ERA of 3.02** across 30 starts, solidifying himself as one of the top mid-rotation options in the league.
Despite a slightly less dominant second half of the 2023 season, where he dealt with shoulder inflammation, Stroman remains a top-tier starter. His ability to limit walks and generate weak contact through his signature sinker makes him a valuable commodity. He is durable, has the postseason experience (making key starts for the Mets during their 2015 World Series run), and his veteran leadership is highly regarded in any clubhouse.
### Why the Cubs Are Shopping Stroman
Stroman’s name in trade rumors is not entirely surprising, considering his age, his contract situation, and the Cubs’ rebuilding trajectory. Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the Cubs ahead of the 2022 season, and while he has pitched well for them, the Cubs find themselves at a crossroads in their rebuild.
Chicago made strides in 2023, improving to a 83-79 record and showing signs of life, but they still have work to do to become true contenders in the competitive NL Central and beyond. Stroman, who is in the final year of his contract in 2024, could be a valuable trade asset for the Cubs if they decide to push their chips in for a long-term rebuild rather than keeping him for a one-year run.
Moving Stroman would open up space for younger pitchers to develop and give the Cubs additional financial flexibility. It would also allow the organization to stockpile prospects in preparation for the next competitive window. If Stroman can net a strong return of young talent, the Cubs could accelerate their rebuilding efforts, making it a logical decision for them to entertain trade discussions.
### Why the Yankees Are Interested
For the Yankees, adding Marcus Stroman to the rotation makes a lot of sense. The team has struggled with pitching consistency in recent years, and while they boast a solid starting staff, the reliability of their rotation outside of **Gerrit Cole** has been questionable. **Luis Severino** and **Carlos Rodón** have faced injuries and underperformance, while the remaining spots have been inconsistent.
Stroman offers a reliable option who can eat innings and fit comfortably in the middle of the rotation, offering a solid balance alongside the ace Cole. While Stroman may not be the flamethrower the Yankees have sometimes coveted, his ground-ball tendencies and ability to limit damage would complement the Yankees’ other pitchers and their aggressive defensive approach.
Additionally, Stroman’s ability to pitch well at Yankee Stadium, a notoriously hitter-friendly park, could be a big plus. His sinker-heavy approach plays well in such a ballpark, where limiting fly balls is key. He has shown he can handle big markets, having pitched successfully for both the Blue Jays and Mets in New York, meaning the transition to playing for one of the most storied franchises in sports may not be too daunting for him.
Moreover, adding Stroman as a trade target could give the Yankees flexibility in terms of their overall payroll. With a looming luxury tax situation and several key roster decisions to make—such as re-signing **Aaron Judge** long-term and possibly extending **DJ LeMahieu**—adding Stroman via trade instead of free agency could provide financial wiggle room. By acquiring Stroman early, the Yankees could potentially control him for a playoff push in 2024, with the option of offering him a qualifying offer or negotiating a new contract for 2025.
### The Potential Trade Package
What might it take for the Yankees to land Stroman? The Cubs will likely be seeking young, controllable talent in exchange for the veteran right-hander. With several exciting prospects in their system, the Yankees could offer a package built around one of their highly-rated minor league players.
The most logical candidate could be **Jasson Dominguez**, the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect and a highly touted outfielder. However, given Dominguez’s star potential, the Yankees may be reluctant to part with him unless absolutely necessary. Other potential trade chips might include **Anthony Volpe**, though a trade involving the highly promising shortstop seems less likely given his current role with the major league squad.
Prospects like **Austin Wells**, **Everson Pereira**, or **Clarke Schmidt** might also be on the table, providing the Cubs with a mix of immediate contributors and high-ceiling prospects. Given Stroman’s value as a quality, innings-eating starter, the Yankees may need to part with two or more prospects in any trade discussion, with the possibility of including a major league player if the deal is to get done.
### The Timing: Why Now?
With Stroman under contract for just one more season, the timing of a trade is crucial for both the Cubs and the Yankees. If the Cubs wait until the trade deadline in 2024, they risk having less leverage if Stroman is dealing with injury or if his performance declines. On the other hand, the Yankees would likely want to secure Stroman before the 2024 season begins, giving him a full spring training with the team and the opportunity to mesh with their pitching staff ahead of the season.
Additionally, Stroman’s trade value is high right now because of his strong 2023 performance and ability to contribute immediately to a contending team. A trade before the start of the season also gives the Yankees more time to make adjustments and add more depth to their pitching staff if needed.
### What the Future Holds
The potential trade of Marcus Stroman to the Yankees represents both a short-term fix and a long-term play. For the Yankees, adding a pitcher of Stroman’s caliber provides the rotation with another reliable arm for the 2024 season, especially if they want to make a deep playoff run. While the team still has a few more decisions to make, including how to address their bullpen and other positional needs, Stroman would undoubtedly be a key piece for the Yankees as they aim to return to the top of the American League.
The next few weeks will be crucial as the Yankees decide whether to pull the trigger on a deal. If they do, Stroman could be the pitcher who helps solidify their rotation and returns them to championship contention in the years to come.
