The New York Yankees are exploring trade options for starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, a move driven by both financial and roster considerations. Stroman carries a significant salary of nearly $20 million for the 2025 season, a hefty price tag considering his omission from the Yankees’ 2024 World Series roster. The recent acquisition of star pitcher Max Fried further complicates the situation, creating a logjam in the Yankees’ starting rotation. Unless the team is willing to shift an existing starter to the bullpen, Stroman’s place on the roster remains precarious. His hefty salary coupled with his absence from the World Series roster suggests that the Yankees are seeking a more cost-effective and potentially higher-impact solution for their pitching needs.
One potential trade destination for Stroman is the San Francisco Giants. A proposed trade scenario, as outlined by Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, involves the Yankees sending Stroman and shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. to the Giants in exchange for infielder Marco Luciano. This trade would address both teams’ needs. The Giants would acquire a seasoned starting pitcher in Stroman, while the Yankees would receive a promising young infielder with significant upside potential. The trade also offers salary relief for the Yankees, allowing them to shed Stroman’s substantial contract.
Luciano, a former top prospect, has struggled to find a consistent role with the Giants. His .590 OPS at the major league level doesn’t fully reflect his potential, as evidenced by his impressive 48.6% hard-hit rate – well above the league average of 36.5%. The Giants’ infield is currently occupied by established players like Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, and Tyler Fitzgerald, leaving little room for Luciano to develop and contribute. A move to the Yankees could provide him with the opportunity to secure a starting role and showcase his untapped potential.
For the Yankees, acquiring Luciano would address a potential need at second base, particularly with the uncertain future of Gleyber Torres. While Luciano’s major league performance has been underwhelming thus far, his impressive hard-hit rate suggests that he possesses the raw power to become a productive hitter. The Yankees could view him as a high-risk, high-reward acquisition, hoping that a change of scenery and consistent playing time will unlock his offensive capabilities. The inclusion of Lombard Jr. in the deal sweetens the pot for the Giants, providing them with a promising young shortstop prospect.
The proposed trade presents benefits for both the Yankees and the Giants. The Yankees would address their pitching surplus, free up salary, and acquire a potential solution at second base. The Giants, in turn, would bolster their starting rotation with an experienced pitcher and add a promising shortstop prospect to their farm system. The trade hinges on the Giants’ willingness to part with Luciano, a former top prospect, and the Yankees’ belief in his ability to fulfill his potential.
Ultimately, the success of this potential trade depends on the future performance of both Stroman and Luciano. Should Stroman regain his form and become a key contributor for the Giants, the trade will likely be viewed as a win for San Francisco. Conversely, if Luciano flourishes with the Yankees and becomes a consistent offensive threat, the Yankees will be the clear beneficiaries. The trade underscores the constant maneuvering and calculated risks that teams undertake in pursuit of a championship-caliber roster.
