The New York Yankees, once known for their spending, are now being criticised for their conservative approach this offseason. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are making bold moves by investing $380 million to build a strong, winning team, the Yankees have been indecisive about bringing in Marcus Stroman to bolster their pitching lineup despite their need for depth.
Stroman, a two-time All-Star pitcher known for his durability, is an attractive option for the Yankees to bolster their rotation that has been struggling with injuries lately. However, recent reports indicate that the Yankees are hesitant to acquire Marcus Stroman due to concerns about committing to a long-term contract extension. This hesitation coincides with issues surrounding the team’s pitching staff, including the performances of Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortez‘s injury history.
The Dodgers’ payroll is a blueprint for success
Empire Sports Media content creator Ryan Garcia posted on X: “The Dodgers have a $380 million payroll, but we have to wait for a Marcus Stroman trade to maybe sign Ha Seong Kim, who won’t cost $20 million AAV.” Well, without a doubt, LA’s 2025 payroll is the highest in MLB history.
This highlights their aggressive pursuit of excellence. They have retained key contributors such as Teoscar Hernandez, added depth with international signings and demonstrated a commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of another World Series title. Their fearless attitude stands out against the Yankees’ cautious strategy, especially as New York struggles in the American League East, where the Red Sox and Blue Jays are showing progress.
The Yankees’ handling of things has left fans disappointed and wondering if they are really making the most of their championship success. They have been linked with the acquisition of Padres infielder Ha Seong Kim; however, he would not command a $20 million a year price tag. However, reports indicate that the Yankees need to cut costs to accommodate him, very different from their reputation for splurging during the George Steinbrenner era.
Critics also point to the Yankees’ history of postseason disappointments. Despite being a market team, with expectations on them since their 2009 World Series victory, fans are frustrated with the front office’s approach to making impactful changes, especially compared to rival teams’ investments.
Marcus Stroman could solve Yankees’ pitching problems
Marcus Stroman could be the answer to the Yankees’ rotation woes by offering a sense of consistency and reliability that they currently lack. Renowned for his ability to stay on the field and deliver inning after inning, Stroman had a reputation for keeping opposing offenses at bay by generating ground balls.
In the 2024 season, he proved his reliability by pitching 180 innings with a 3.42 ERA. Amid Carlos Rodon’s search for stability, Nestor Cortes’ struggle with injuries and Luis Severino’s departure from the team, Stroman’s reliability as a pitcher would bring essential consistency to a rotation that relies heavily on Gerrit Cole.
Beyond his value in the regular season, Stroman’s playoff experience and competitive nature make him an ideal addition for the Yankees. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, combined with his ability to pitch into the late stages of games, addresses two key areas where the Yankees have faltered in recent Octobers.
In a division full of powerhouse offenses like the Blue Jays and Orioles, Marcus Stroman’s proven track record of neutralizing elite lineups could be the difference between an early exit and a legitimate postseason run.
In the end, bringing Marcus Stroman on board would not only fill a gap, but also demonstrate that the Yankees are serious about competing fiercely in 2025.