If Marcus Stroman was to join the New York Yankees today, he would statistically be their best pitcher on the roster. With playoff dreams in sight, the organization should acquire the right-hander at all costs.
With the likes of Luis Severino and Domingo German on the injured list, and Marcus Stroman pitching very well this year, it may be ideal that the New York Yankees management considers bringing in the Blue Jays right-hander.
I know that Brian Cashman has already publicly said that he won’t trade for pitchers with less than 2 years of control.
I just think that it is asinine to not attempt trading for Stroman.
For starters, Marcus would be the best pitcher on the roster as it sits right now.
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His 5-9 record has obviously been influenced by the Toronto Blue Jays being abysmal at the plate, but he has a career low ERA and is forcing more ground balls compared to other types of hits.
The Yankees possess a dominant infield roster, one that handles ground balls easily, making the tandem perfect in regards to pitcher dynamics with Stroman.
Another reason to acquire Stroman is his background.
Marcus was born in Medford, NY and has said publicly that he feels comfortable in Yankees stadium (with all the pressure, media, etc).
I understand that he only has 1.5 years of control left before hitting free agency, but the chance the organization could convince the 5’7 right-hander to stay a Bronx Bomber during free agency is pretty high.
The Yankees would most likely be able to offer him the most money when free agency rolls around as well. More money is always a good thing to have.
They would be the team closest to his family and friends, as well as his house in Tampa Bay. Family is always a good thing to have.
The only competition you would really have is other teams who could pay him more and teams in the National League because Stroman likes and wants to hit (and has publicly said he wants to be able to hit regularly).
Was hoping the NL was still an option during free agency too. Lol AL is a different beast. Definitely will make it an even playing field for pitchers. I do want to hit at some point in my career though as long as it’s not against you. Lol 😂🤦🏾♂️
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) February 7, 2019
Obviously, the latter argument is less of concern considering the universal DH rule may come into effect over the next few years, but the first argument could make Yankees management nervous.
In the end, the Yankees need to add to their starting rotation if they want to be playoff contenders this year with all the injuries to their pitching staff. Stroman also does have playoff experience and could be beneficial on the postseason roster.
Marcus Stroman checks all of the boxes and the Yankees do have the pieces to complete a deal with Toronto.
The Jays need an outfield prospect/depth really bad, and Clint Frazier meets that criteria.
It would be a steep price to pay, but considering New York’s outfield is already loaded and busy, losing Frazier is not that big of a deal.
General manager Brian Cashman does not want to deal his prospect, but to acquire a talented pitcher may require Frazier being moved.
Besides, every time I play MLB the Show using the Blue Jays, Stroman leaves the team and Clint Frazier ends up being traded to the Blue Jays through the automatic general manager.
If that is not destiny, then I don’t know what is.
Your move Brian Cashman.