The New York Yankees are making headlines with talks circulating about deals involving Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. The moves could transform the team into contenders for the World Series title. However, this might also mark the conclusion of Marcus Stroman’s time with the team in Queens as a seasoned pitcher. He is expected to earn $18 million in 2025 with his play, but his spot in the Yankees roster might be up in the air if these high-profile transfers come through and reshape the team dynamics.

Stroman joined the Yankees in 2024 during the trade deadline and helped stabilize a rotation dealing with injuries. During his time, he made 12 starts wearing the Yankees uniform, achieved a 4.31 ERA, and struck out 113 batters across 154.2 innings. While Marcus Stroman’s consistency and experience in the postseason were beneficial, his worth might overlap if the Yankees acquire Burnes, one of the best pitchers in baseball. He embodies the type of pitching arm that the Yankees have been seeking lately.

The financial puzzle of landing two superstars

After delivering a standout performance in the 2024 season with a 2.92 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings recorded. Burnes would make an impact on New York’s pitching staff. Teamed up with Gerrit Cole, he could potentially turn the Yankees rotation into one of the top-tier pitching lineups in MLB. According to The Athletics, even if the Yankees are keen on acquiring Soto, Hal Steinbrenner, the owner, has repeatedly talked about his desire to hold back some of their payrolls. Also, their balance tax payroll was among the top three with 312.9 million last season: “So even if the Yankees re-sign Soto, it’s reasonable to think there could be a cut in overall payroll.”

The Yankees have lacked a true frontline ace, Gerrit Cole, and Burnes could fill that void. With Milwaukee seemingly open to offers after Burnes expressed dissatisfaction with his arbitration process, the Yankees could leverage their deep farm system to acquire him. However, Burnes’ expected $15 million arbitration salary could make retaining Marcus Stroman financially unsustainable. So, adding Soto further complicates the Yankees’ financial and roster management.

The 26-year-old standout outfielder in the 2024 season achieved .288/.419/.569 along with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. Soto’s combination of power at the plate, alongside his ability to perform in a stressed environment, aligns perfectly with the Yankees’ ambitions. However, acquiring Soto would require a huge trade deal but securing a lucrative long-term contract that could surpass $500 million.

The Yankees must clear payroll to fund these moves. Stroman’s projected salary might be an early casualty of these high-stakes moves. With Burnes potentially joining Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees would have less need for Stroman’s services. Meanwhile, Soto’s arrival could lead to payroll tightening, making Marcus Stroman’s $18 million price tag expendable.

Could Marcus Stroman thrive on other teams?

Marcus Stroman’s potential exit from the Yankees might create an opportunity to revitalize his career. The pitcher excels in an environment where he feels appreciated and recognized for his skills, and a team seeking a starting pitcher could provide him the attention he craves. His skill in inducing ground balls and logging innings positions him as a fit for teams with infield defenses like the San Francisco Giants or St. Louis Cardinals. They could heavily benefit from a pitcher like Stroman and his prior experience in playoff games.

A fresh start could also reignite Marcus Stroman’s fiery competitiveness. Away from the media frenzy of New York, he might find the consistency that eluded him at times in 2024. His charisma and leadership could make him a clubhouse asset, especially for younger teams aiming to bridge the gap to contention. While his tenure with the Yankees might end abruptly, Marcus Stroman has the tools to flourish elsewhere—and possibly remind New York what they lost.

Ultimately, a departure could benefit both sides, giving the Yankees the financial flexibility to pursue elite talent while providing Stroman the opportunity to thrive in a new setting. As the Yankees aim to end their championship drought, tough decisions like Marcus Stroman’s exit may become the cost of building a roster capable of dominating in October.