Breaking: Yankees-Mets trade swaps Marcus Stroman for an optimal infield solution.

After signing Juan Soto to the most lucrative contract in sports history, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns have shifted to a more cost-effective strategy for acquiring talent. They have since brought in Frankie Montas and reliever Clay Holmes to join the starting rotation but still have one spot left to fill. While the Mets have reportedly scouted Nick Pivetta during their search for additional pitching, a more established arm is available on the trading block.

Across town in the Bronx, the Yankees are eager to offload Marcus Stroman’s contract. The veteran right-hander struggled in his first year as a Yankee, with Yankee Stadium proving to be a tough home environment. He posted a disappointing 5.31 ERA at home compared to a solid 3.09 ERA on the road, resulting in an overall 4.31 ERA for the season. Stroman has previously excelled with the Mets, and a return to Queens might provide the reset he needs.

Stroman is owed over $36.6 million over the next two years (about $18.3 million annually) with a vesting option for 2026—a potential hurdle for Cohen. However, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner appears willing to cover part of Stroman’s salary to facilitate a trade.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are actively searching for an infielder to replace Gleyber Torres. The Mets, on the other hand, have an abundance of infield depth, with Mark Vientos, Francisco Lindor, Jeff McNeil, Luisangel Acuña, Jett Williams, Ronny Mauricio, and Brett Baty all expected to be infield options next season. Additionally, the Mets are working to re-sign Pete Alonso, which would leave only two infield spots available.

Like Stroman at Yankee Stadium, one of the Mets’ infielders has struggled at Citi Field, making the Yankees and Mets natural trade partners.