The New York Yankees have executed a significant pivot away from superstar Juan Soto, but any additional roster additions might be blocked by a single player.
The Yankees have swung blockbuster trades to land Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger this winter, plus they signed Paul Goldchmidt and Max Fried, addressing virtually every area of the roster after a disappointing World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team’s payroll now stands at a projected $273 million for 2025, and principal owner Hal Steinbrenner has indicated that it could be “difficult” for the team to spend more. As a result, analysts have pointed to veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman and the $18.3 million he’s owed for next season as a prime trade candidate.
If the Yankees are able to offload Stroman and his salary, perhaps that would clear the way for an addition at an area of more need, like the infield. But manager Aaron Boone addresses those rumors during a recent visit to the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial & Museum, saying he’s preparing for Stroman to remain a Yankee in 2025.
“The reality is he might be the most important starting pitcher for us this year,” Boone said, according to NJ.com’s Max Goodman. “The reality is he was one of the reasons we got to where we did last year with on balance what he did throughout the season. He handled himself so well coming into a new environment, coming into our environment and the reality is that he’s been a great pitcher in his career. That’s the expectation going into this year and that’s how we’ll prepare.”
At first glance, Boone’s assessment might seem a bit hyperbolic. With a Yankees starting rotation of Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, Stroman is unlikely to be the team’s “most important” starter in 2025. And while Stroman has been a two-time All-Star in his career, his effectiveness seems to have waned, and he was ultimately left off the Yankees’ postseason roster after logging a 4.31 ERA on the season.
But the manager is likely preparing as best he can for 2025’s opening day roster as currently constructed, which might include Stroman, his existing salary and no other impactful additions.
While Yankees fans might be hoping for an upgrade at third or second base, Boone sounds optimistic about how his team looks for next season, without any major losses or additions.
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