The New York Yankees are actively seeking to enhance their infield by targeting high-upside players, with free agent Jorge Polanco reportedly catching their attention. Concurrently, they are exploring options to trade starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, even expressing willingness to absorb a portion of his $18 million salary to facilitate a deal.
Stroman, who joined the Yankees on a two-year, $37 million contract before the 2024 season, underperformed last year, posting a 4.31 ERA over 154.2 innings. His struggles, particularly in the second half where he recorded a 5.98 ERA, have led the Yankees to consider moving him to free up payroll space. Additionally, his contract includes a player option for 2026 that vests if he pitches 140 innings in 2025, a scenario the Yankees are keen to avoid.
By offloading Stroman’s salary, the Yankees aim to allocate resources toward strengthening their infield. While high-profile players like Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado are unlikely targets, the team has shown interest in several viable options. Discussions have included the San Diego Padres’ Luis Arraez, though little progress has been made on that front. Jorge Polanco, who played for the Seattle Mariners last season after eight years with the Minnesota Twins, is another possibility under consideration.
Even if a Stroman trade does not materialize, the Yankees possess sufficient budget flexibility to pursue infield reinforcements. Other potential candidates include Brendan Rodgers of the Colorado Rockies and Paul DeJong, who concluded the previous season with the Kansas City Royals. Additionally, recovering former star D.J. LeMahieu will be given an opportunity to compete for a starting spot.
The Yankees’ strategy reflects a commitment to optimizing their roster by reallocating resources from areas of surplus to positions requiring enhancement. By potentially trading Stroman and targeting infielders with significant upside, they aim to bolster their competitiveness for the upcoming season. This approach underscores the organization’s proactive efforts to adapt and strengthen the team in pursuit of sustained success.
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