MLB trade rumors continue to circulate this winter, with many teams looking to add talent and reduce payroll through trades. While some of the top trade targets are commanding high asking prices and are unlikely to be moved, a few players are expected to be dealt.
Among the teams making significant moves this offseason are the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Yankees have added All-Star closer Devin Williams, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, starting pitcher Max Fried, and outfielder Cody Bellinger.
With their payroll already increasing, the Yankees are looking for ways to create more flexibility, particularly to acquire an infielder.
On the other hand, the Diamondbacks have surprised many. After months of speculation about Corbin Burnes possibly joining the San Francisco Giants or Toronto Blue Jays, the perennial All-Star ended up signing a $210 million deal with Arizona. Both teams are now trying to move on from some of their larger contracts.
The Yankees have already expressed a willingness to cover part of Marcus Stroman’s salary, which is key to any trade involving him. Stroman, who signed with the club last offseason, didn’t pitch in the postseason after finishing the regular season with a 4.31 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 154.2 innings.
Marcus Stroman’s contract (via Spotrac): $18.333 million salary in 2025, with a vesting option for $18.333 million in 2026.
Jordan Montgomery, 32, is another player who may be moved after a rough season in Arizona. Following a strong second half with the Texas Rangers in 2023, Montgomery struggled with a 6.23 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 117 innings for the Diamondbacks in 2024.
Jordan Montgomery’s contract (via Spotrac): $22.5 million.
Montgomery’s previous success with the Yankees (3.69 ERA in 2022) and St. Louis Cardinals (sub-3.4 ERA in 184 innings from 2022-2023) should generate interest from potential suitors. However, Arizona will likely need to pay down some of his $22.5 million salary to facilitate a trade.
With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training in a month, more rumors surrounding Montgomery and Stroman are expected to surface in the coming weeks. Given the number of teams still in need of pitching, at least one of them could be traded before February.
