The New York Yankees are taking their time in the winter market, but they’re definitely not resting. First up is the pitching. It’s no secret that the Yankees are eyeing the Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old fastball thrower. But it’s not all about the mound. The Yankees know their infield could use a little more spice. Enter Luis Arraez, the Venezuelan first baseman. 

So, what’s next? Well, it looks like the Yankees are prepared to sit tight, waiting for the right deal to come their way. Hold on to your hats, folks, because the winter trade winds are picking up, and we’ve got some spicy rumors swirling around that could shake up the MLB landscape. According to an MLB insider, Marcus Stroman is starting to look like a serious trade target for the San Diego Padres.  

It looks like the Padres are eyeing Marcus Stroman

The Friars are looking to shore up their rotation, and Stroman, with his confident presence and sharp stuff, could be exactly what they need. According to the Baseball Trade Values, his surplus value is $7.4 million less than what he is set to make in 2025. Additionally, he has an $18 million player option for 2026 that will vest if he pitches 140 innings.

While Stroman may be on the move to San Diego, the Yankees could be the ones cashing in on this deal, with none other than Luis Arraez making his way to the Bronx. Picture this for a second: Stroman dons a Padres uniform, giving them a much-needed arm in the rotation. Meanwhile, the Yankees get their hands on the ultimate leadoff hitter, a contact machine, in Luis Arraez.  

This is a gamble for the Yankees because Luis Arraez will be one year from free agency. Many teams will be dying to have the chance to sign. Whom can you think of as recently as this offseason that had the same situation coming into it? That’s right, Juan Soto.

While the Yankees could certainly use that strong contact-hitting in the lineup, it would be a pretty big risk — like their last fling, Juan Soto — who, after a season, declined the Yankees’ long-term offer that left them at the altar for nothing. Is Luis Arraez going to do the same? If they trade for the 27-year-old, they could be setting themselves up for a great year, but if he walks after 2024, it might feel like déjà vu.

Why does Luis Arraez fit in with the Yankees?

Luis Arraez is a polarizing figure in MLB whose values people debate across the industry. On one hand, the Venezuelan baseball player never misses the ball; when he does swing, 94.2% of contact is made. The other is that not all contact is created equal. The first baseman ranks near the bottom of the league in exit velocity, hard-hit percentage, barrel percentage, and walk rate.

But the Yankees need exactly what Arraez does best. The Yanks have been starving for a reliable leadoff hitter who can consistently get on base, and Arraez could finally be that guy. He might not walk much, but his career .372 OBP speaks volumes about his ability to find ways to get on base. And with the way pitchers attack the Yankees‘ lineup (looking at you, Judge), Arraez could feast on hittable pitches. Imagine him setting the table for Aaron Judge. That could be a dynamic duo. 

The 1997-born baseball player isn’t a classic power-hitter, but his ability to put the ball in play, however, that happens, could solve two of the pinstripes’ most pressing issues. First, a more regular leadoff presence, and second, somebody who can get on base reliably. It’s a gamble for sure, but for a team that’s had trouble finding that perfect piece, Luis Arraez might just be the guy to put it all together and fans will love seeing him in pinstripes, won’t they?