The New York Yankees have been actively seeking trades in the offseason, and a recent blockbuster trade idea could benefit both them and the Atlanta Braves. According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, a trade that would send starting pitcher Marcus Stroman to the Braves could be a “win-win” for both sides, relieving the Yankees of Stroman’s 2025 salary while bolstering the Braves’ pitching rotation.
Stroman, who had a solid regular season for the Yankees in 2024 with a 4.31 ERA across 154 2/3 innings, didn’t make an appearance during the team’s postseason run to the World Series. His road performance, which included a strong 3.09 ERA away from Yankee Stadium, has drawn interest from teams looking to add depth to their rotations. With the Braves already featuring top-tier pitchers like Chris Sale, they are facing challenges with depth, especially with some key pitchers, such as Spencer Strider, recovering from injuries. Stroman could fill that gap and bring valuable experience to an NL contender.
For the Yankees, trading Stroman would provide an opportunity to offload his $18 million salary for 2025. While the team may receive a fringe MLB player or a minor league prospect with upside in return, the main objective for general manager Brian Cashman is to shed the financial burden associated with Stroman’s contract.
With both teams having clear motivations to make the deal, this trade idea looks like a perfect match. The Braves would get a capable starter to strengthen their rotation, while the Yankees could free up salary space to continue their pursuit of further roster improvements. This potential move could benefit both teams as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season.
