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The Yankees could spend almost $20 million in a single trade

The Yankees could spend almost  million in a single trade

MLB: Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

THE Yankees‘ recent signature of Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million deal pushed their estimated luxury tax salary allocations to $298.2 millionleaving little flexibility before reaching the $301 million threshold. With several roster needs still unresolved, general manager Brian Cashman must now consider steps to free up payroll space.

Marcus Stroman as trade candidate

Marcus Stroman and his $18.5 million salary for the 2025 season stand out as the most logical contract for the Yankees to lose. Stroman’s performance has been inconsistent and his value is further complicated by a potential player option for the 2026 season that triggers if he pitches more than 140 innings in 2025. Trading Stroman would create significant payroll relief while opening the door for the Yankees to address other areas of need.

Stroman’s figures for 2024:

  • Innings thrown: 154.2
  • ERA: 4.31
  • Strikeouts per nine innings: 6.58 (career low)
  • Percentage left on base: 73.9%
  • Ground Ball Rate: 49.2% (compared to 57.2% in 2023)
MLB: New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers, Marcus Stroman
Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

However, moving Stroman will require finding a trade partner willing to cover his salary. Teams looking for rotation depth might find Stroman attractive, but the Yankees may need to include a prospect or take back a smaller contract to facilitate a deal.

Trent Grisham’s contract and outfield photo

Another potential savings move is trading Trent Grisham, whose $5 million salary could give the Yankees some breathing room under the luxury tax threshold. Although moving Grisham would have less financial impact than trading Stroman, it would create a vacancy in the outfield. The Yankees would then have to rely on internal options or make an additional move to close the gap, which could complicate their efforts to maintain roster balance.

Grisham’s strong defense and ability to cover multiple spots on the field make him a valuable asset, but his offensive inconsistencies could make him indispensable in the Yankees’ quest to reallocate resources – I highly doubt it, though.

June 9, 2024; Bronx, New York, United States; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) throws his bat after hitting a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Meet needs on the ground

The Yankees still need a solution at second or third base, which could allow Jazz Chisholm to return to his natural position at second. With limited options in free agency and a preference to avoid long-term commitments, the Yankees will likely explore the trade market for an answer.

Potential trade targets could include controllable players on reasonable contracts, as the team seeks to maximize value while staying under the luxury tax threshold. Adding an established infielder would solidify the roster and improve the defensive alignment, improving the team’s overall competitiveness.

Balancing payroll and roster needs

Salary compensation via trades will be essential for the Yankees to fill their remaining gaps without exceeding the luxury tax threshold. While trading Stroman appears to be the most efficient and feasible option, moving Grisham or pursuing other creative solutions could also provide needed flexibility.

With the team still in need of reinforcements on the field, Cashman’s next moves will be critical in shaping the Yankees’ path to contention in 2025. Balancing financial constraints with the desire to improve will require strategic decision-making as they move forward. as the offseason continues.