The New York Yankees are reportedly eager to move on from starting pitcher Marcus Stroman’s contract, but the process has hit a roadblock.
After signing Max Fried to a record-breaking $218 million deal this offseason, Stroman was pushed down the rotation to the No. 6 spot. With $18.5 million remaining on his $37 million deal, the Yankees are looking to offload Stroman to free up payroll space and reduce their luxury tax burden.
However, the trade market for Stroman has stalled, and ESPN’s Buster Olney revealed why.
“The Stroman talks will be greatly complicated by his vesting option: If he throws 140 innings in 2025, he’ll have a player option to make $18.3 million next year,” Olney explained.
This clause has made potential suitors wary, even though some teams might need to spend to avoid penalties. To facilitate a trade, the Yankees may have to absorb part of Stroman’s 2025 salary — a move they’re reportedly open to.
Stroman’s 2024 performance hasn’t helped his case. Among pitchers with at least 150 innings, his 16.7% strikeout rate was the lowest in MLB, while his 8.9% walk rate was among the league’s worst.
With priorities like bolstering infield depth and adding left-handed relievers, shedding Stroman’s contract remains a key goal for the Yankees this offseason.
