The New York Yankees are actively exploring trade options for Marcus Stroman, and one proposed deal would see them acquiring an elite bullpen arm in a three-player swap.
Proposed Trade
Yankees receive:
Robert Suarez
Padres receive:
Marcus Stroman
Brando Mayea (No. 14 prospect)
$5 million cash
The trade, proposed by Patrick McAvoy of SportingNews, would strengthen New York’s bullpen while providing San Diego with a veteran starter and a promising young outfielder.
Suarez’s Impact on Yankees’ Bullpen
Suarez, an All-Star in 2024, has been a key piece of the Padres’ bullpen since joining from Japan’s NPB in 2022. Last season, he posted a 9-3 record with a 2.77 ERA across 65 appearances while recording 36 saves. In the postseason, he pitched 3.1 scoreless innings and secured two saves.
The right-hander is in the third year of a five-year, $46 million contract, though he holds an opt-out after the 2025 season. His addition would provide the Yankees with a reliable setup man and additional closing experience.
Stroman & Mayea Head to San Diego
In return, the Padres would acquire Stroman, with the Yankees including $5 million to help offset his remaining salary. The veteran right-hander is entering the final year of a two-year, $37 million contract but was left off New York’s playoff roster. He finished 2024 with a 10-9 record and a 4.32 ERA across 29 starts.
Also heading to San Diego is Brando Mayea, a 19-year-old Cuban outfield prospect. In 2024, he hit .281 with nine RBIs in 35 games at the rookie level.
Yankees Looking to Strengthen Bullpen
McAvoy believes this trade would benefit both teams, as New York offloads Stroman’s contract while further solidifying its bullpen.
“The Yankees could still use another bullpen arm even after acquiring Devin Williams,” McAvoy noted. “Former Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle reportedly signed with the Tigers, so adding another reliable reliever like Suarez would be a strong move.”
Pairing Suarez with Williams would give the Yankees a dominant one-two punch at the back end of their bullpen as they push for contention in 2025.
Stroman Trade Speculation Grows
Stroman’s name has been linked to trade talks throughout the offseason, and he has added to the speculation himself. As of January 28, the right-hander unfollowed the Yankees on Instagram, fueling rumors of an imminent move.
MLB insider Robert Murray also confirmed that New York has been actively shopping Stroman.
“A Marcus Stroman trade appears more likely than not,” Murray said on The Baseball Insiders.
A two-time All-Star, Stroman’s future with the Yankees remains uncertain, but all signs point toward a trade before the 2025 season begins.
