The New York Yankees still have two tasks to address: bringing in an infielder, ideally a second baseman, and parting ways with starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, whom they are eager to trade.
Yankees Might Acquire Infielder Targets by Shedding Excess Players
What’s next for the Yankees? The team has no need for Marcus Stroman and is focused on acquiring an infielder.
Stroman, at best, could serve as a backup starter or a long reliever, but paying him that kind of money for a long relief role is difficult for the organization to justify.
With $18 million committed to him for 2025, the Yankees are eager to offload that contract.
Recent rumors suggest the Yankees might be willing to pay part of Stroman’s salary to facilitate his departure, with potential landing spots including his former team, Toronto, as well as San Diego and St. Louis.
A Free Agent Infielder Could Be the Next Move in the Market for the Yankees
While it may not directly resolve the Stroman situation, the Yankees are reportedly interested in free-agent infielder Paul DeJong. The eight-year veteran spent most of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 2023, DeJong was traded midseason, playing for both the Blue Jays and Giants. In 2024, he started the year with the Chicago White Sox and finished with the Kansas City Royals.
This past season, he posted a .227/.267/.427 slash line, with 101 hits, 24 home runs, and 56 RBIs. DeJong played 90 games at shortstop in 2024, recording a .958 fielding percentage, 110 putouts, and 163 assists. He also appeared at third base, where he had a .970 fielding percentage, and is versatile enough to play second base as well.
Toronto Has Options But it May Take the Right Deal to Get What the Yankees Want
There’s a rumored trade proposal involving the New York Yankees and their divisional rival, the Toronto Blue Jays, which would see Marcus Stroman return to the team where he began his MLB career. The Yankees are said to be looking to send Stroman to Toronto, a club that hasn’t seen much success lately. This move could be seen as a win for Yankees management, while also serving as a slap to the Blue Jays’ fanbase, considering Stroman’s departure from Toronto.
In this potential deal, Stroman and Ben Rice would be traded for Blue Jays infielder Davis Schneider. Schneider, who debuted in 2023, made an immediate impact with his grit and situational hitting, though his 2024 numbers (.191/.282/.343) don’t scream star potential. However, his projections for 2025 suggest he could hit 15 home runs with a .223 batting average and similar on-base and slugging percentages.
Further complicating the situation, the Blue Jays might consider trading their established shortstop, Bo Bichette. With plans to re-sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays could prioritize keeping Bichette, but he could be available for the right offer, potentially at the trade deadline. If the Yankees are to pursue Bichette, they may need to offer up key players like Oswaldo Cabrera or Anthony Volpe, in addition to Stroman and Rice. A top-tier prospect could also be part of the trade package. However, Toronto might try to negotiate with Bichette, given their offensive struggles and roster needs.
What Other Possibilities Are Out There?
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, a 27-year-old middle infielder, is known for his strong defense and playmaking ability. While his offensive numbers aren’t exceptional, he consistently puts together quality at-bats, getting on base and advancing runners. Hoerner slashed .273/.335/.373 with 86 runs scored, 48 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases.
Meanwhile, the Yankees have been linked to Luis Arraez, who would be a fantastic addition to their lineup. Arraez can play second base as well as the corners, and he’s known for making contact and getting on base. While not a power hitter, Arraez excels at stringing together hits and generating runs. He led the league in 2024 with 200 hits and a .314 batting average. After leaving the Miami Marlins, he joined the San Diego Padres in a seasonal move. Acquiring a player of Arraez’s caliber would likely require the Yankees to part with several valuable assets.
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