THE Yankees I need every penny available this offseason to address several roster needs and extend superstar slugger Juan Soto on a long-term deal. Soto made $31 million in his final year of arbitration, but with his expected annual salary increasing to $50 million, the Yankees face a $19 million gap to close.

The departures of Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo will free up $31.2 million in luxury tax salary, which can help meet that financial commitment. However, losing additional salary by unloading the starting pitcher That of Marcus Stroman An $18.5 million contract for the upcoming season should also be a priority.

Marcus Stroman’s problematic contract

The entirety of Stroman’s contract for 2025 is concerning. If he pitches more than 140 innings, his 2026 vesting option converts to a player option. This would put the Yankees in a difficult financial situation, as they cannot afford to let him reach that innings threshold, which could jeopardize flexibility for future spending.

The decline of Stroman’s effectiveness

Stroman’s performance saw a notable decline. The 33-year-old has posted a respectable 3.95 ERA over 136.2 innings in 2023, showing solid form in the first half. However, its speed decreased significantly in 2024, from 92.2 mph to 90.6 mph. Over 154.2 innings pitched, Stroman recorded the lowest strikeout rate of his career, averaging just 6.58 strikeouts per nine innings. His walk rate also rose to a career-high 3.49 per nine innings, and his ground ball rate dropped 8% in just one year.

Decreased effectiveness of Stroman pitches

Stroman’s inability to produce swings and misses is reflected in his 7th percentile strikeout rate. His usage of his sinker, previously a reliable pitch, dropped from 46.4% in 2023 to 35.1% in 2024. Opposing batters had a .306 batting average and .466 strikeout rate against his sinker, with his strikeout rate plummeting from 21.2% to 13.3. %. Additionally, his cutter, slider, and slurve have proven to be liabilities, highlighting a capped potential as he approaches age 34.

Unload Stroman for more financial flexibility

Given Stroman’s decline and contract situation, trading him could be beneficial, even if it requires attaching another valuable asset. Savings could be redirected to more productive uses, like bolstering the rotation with a more reliable starter or addressing first base needs. For example, the Yankees could use these funds to pursue Christian Walker, an elite defensive first baseman with strong offensive skills.

Potential business scenarios

Exploring creative trade options could further benefit the Yankees. WFAN’s Emmanuel Berbari proposed a mock exchange with the Chicago Cubs, involving Stroman, Spencer Jones and Will Warren in exchange for Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner. This deal would address the Yankees’ infield needs while unloading Stroman’s contract, although it would come at the expense of some top prospects. While this trade is merely hypothetical, it highlights the potential value of moving Stroman and reallocating funds to improve the roster more effectively.

Strategic wage dumping

Dumping Stroman’s salary would free up significant resources, allowing the Yankees to pursue a more productive starting pitcher or bolster other areas of need. By taking strategic steps, they can maximize their financial flexibility and create a stronger, more competitive team while working toward an expansion of Soto.