The New York Yankees have been exploring trade options for Marcus Stroman, and one potential deal would see them reuniting with a former infield prospect.
With uncertainty at second and third base—depending on where Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays—the Yankees could address their infield needs in a trade scenario proposed by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter. His pitch involves sending Stroman to the Texas Rangers in exchange for an infielder.
Proposed Trade:
Yankees Receive:
Josh Smith
Rangers Receive:
Marcus Stroman
Rafael Flores
This deal benefits both teams. The Yankees would move on from Stroman’s contract while reinforcing their infield. Meanwhile, the Rangers would bolster their pitching depth while also acquiring a promising prospect.
Yankees Look to Bring Back Josh Smith
Smith, originally drafted by the Yankees in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, was traded to Texas in 2021 as part of the Joey Gallo deal. Since then, he has developed into a valuable player, making his MLB debut in 2022 and winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2024. He was also part of the Rangers’ 2023 World Series-winning team.
Last season, Smith hit .258 with 13 home runs and 62 RBIs. With his ability to play third base, he would provide the Yankees with much-needed infield stability.
Stroman’s Struggles and Contract Situation
Stroman is currently in the second year of a two-year, $37 million deal. His 2023 season with New York was underwhelming, as he posted a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA. He was ultimately left off the Yankees’ playoff roster.
The Yankees’ rotation is already set with Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt, making Stroman expendable. Reports indicate that New York is actively shopping him and is even willing to cover part of his $18 million salary to facilitate a trade.
Flores’ Potential in Texas
Rafael Flores, a 25-year-old catcher/first baseman, spent last season in Double-A, where he hit .274 with 15 home runs and 33 RBIs over 65 games. The Rangers would add him as a depth piece in this proposed trade.
Analyst’s Take on Yankees-Rangers Trade
Reuter believes this deal would be beneficial for both sides. He notes that Smith could take over as the Yankees’ everyday third baseman, while Texas would strengthen its rotation depth—an area of concern due to injuries.
“In hindsight, the Yankees clearly made a mistake trading Josh Smith and Ezequiel Durán to the Rangers for Joey Gallo at the 2021 trade deadline,” Reuter wrote. “This trade could help New York correct that misstep by filling a glaring infield need.”
Reuter also highlighted the Rangers’ potential willingness to part with Smith. With Josh Jung returning from injury, Smith is expected to shift into a utility role, making him more expendable in the right deal.
On the other hand, Stroman would provide much-needed rotation insurance for a Rangers team relying on Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle, who combined for just 23.1 innings in 2024.
Yankees’ Efforts to Trade Stroman
New York signed Stroman to strengthen its rotation, but after his struggles last season and the acquisition of Max Fried, they no longer see him as a key piece.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees remain determined to move Stroman and are willing to pay a portion of his salary to make a trade happen.
“The Yankees are still trying to trade Marcus Stroman and are willing to pay down his $18M salary,” Heyman reported.
A two-time All-Star, Stroman could find a fresh start in Texas if this deal materializes.