The New York Yankees’ offseason has been headlined by significant acquisitions, including Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, and Paul Goldschmidt. However, with Gleyber Torres departing in free agency, the team may look to bolster their infield. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees are “actively trying to deal” pitcher Marcus Stroman, potentially using him to acquire infield help.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report proposed a trade scenario involving Stroman to address the Yankees’ needs:
Proposed Trade:
- Yankees receive: 2B Luis Arráez
- Padres receive: RHP Marcus Stroman, RHP Will Warren (Yankees’ No. 5 prospect), and cash
Stroman signed a two-year, $37 million deal last offseason, with an $18 million vesting option for 2026. Following a decline in performance after his All-Star 2023 campaign, trading Stroman has become a priority for the Yankees.
In this proposal, New York would need to cover part of Stroman’s salary and include a top-five prospect like Will Warren to entice the Padres to part with Arráez. The 26-year-old infielder is entering the final year of his contract, and Spotrac projects his free-agent value at nine years and $154 million. If the Yankees view Arráez as a long-term solution, they have the financial flexibility to pursue such an extension.
Offensively, Arráez is a standout. A three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and three-time batting champion, his contact-hitting prowess is among the best in the league. However, his defensive metrics are subpar, with a career -33 outs above average at second base. Despite this, his elite batting makes his defensive shortcomings tolerable.
If the Padres believe Arráez might leave in free agency, they could be open to a trade, making this a potential win-win scenario for both teams.
