Blue Jays: Several teams pursuing Stroman, but who needs him most?
By Manny Gómez
Who Needs Stroman Most?
New York Yankees
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Of the three known teams in on Toronto Blue Jays stud Marcus Stroman, the New York Yankees have the most to lose. For one, their payroll is the highest of the three teams, their farm system ranks the lowest (20th) of the three, and the expectations of winning a World Series are higher than they’ve been in quite a while.
While the Yankees, statistically, don’t appear to have a need for a starter, their rotation is currently pitching to a post-four ERA. With the uncertainty of ace Luis Severino‘s return and James Paxton‘s first-inning struggles, another starter wouldn’t hurt at the moment.
What’s more, the fact that Stroman is a New York kid could mean that he has what it takes to pitch under the bright lights of broadway.
The bad news is, they’d pretty much have to deplete their farm system in order to trade for a pitcher within the division.
Atlanta Braves
Of the three teams on this piece, the Atlanta Braves have the greatest need for Marcus Stroman. First off, they rank as the worst pitching team compared to the Yankees and the Astros in ERA, FIP, and WHIP.
This season, the Braves had hoped that Mike Foltynewics would build upon his success of last season. Unfortunately, Folty was demoted after a terrible start and has no timetable for return.
This has created a deep need for a starter in Atlanta and the Blue Jays ace might be the perfect fit. With the Braves farm system ranking second in the Majors, this shouldn’t impact the team’s roster or farm system too much.
What’s more, having seen former Blue Jays players, like Josh Donaldson, experience success with the Braves, why not give another Jay a shot?