REPORT: Yankees Blockbuster Trade Proposal To Bring $154 Million All-Star to New York
The New York Yankees have made waves this offseason with major acquisitions, including Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, and Paul Goldschmidt. However, with Gleyber Torres departing in free agency, the team may still need to bolster their infield. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are “actively trying to deal” Marcus Stroman, potentially using him as part of a trade to address this need.
One proposal from Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggests the Yankees could trade Stroman to acquire Luis Arráez from the San Diego Padres:
Proposed Trade:
- Yankees receive: 2B Luis Arráez
- Padres receive: RHP Marcus Stroman, RHP Will Warren (Yankees’ No. 5 prospect), and cash
Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million deal last offseason, has an $18 million vesting option for 2026. Following a decline in performance after his 2023 All-Star season, moving Stroman has become a priority for the Yankees.
To secure Arráez, the Yankees would likely need to cover part of Stroman’s salary and include a top prospect like Warren in the package.
Arráez, a three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and three-time batting champion, is projected by Spotrac to command a nine-year, $154 million contract in free agency. With free agency looming after this season, the Padres might consider trading Arráez if they believe they can’t retain him. While his defense at second base is below average—evidenced by his career minus-33 Outs Above Average—his elite hitting makes up for it. Arráez’s long-term potential and consistent production at the plate could make him a valuable addition for the Yankees.
This deal hinges on the Yankees’ willingness to invest in Arráez as a cornerstone of their lineup and the Padres’ openness to parting with him.