The New York Yankees, once known for their spending, are now receiving criticism for their conservative approach this offseason. While the Los Angeles Dodgers are making bold moves by investing $380 million to build a strong winning team, the Yanks have been indecisive about adding Marcus Stroman to bolster their pitching lineup despite their need for depth.

Stroman, a two-time All-Star pitcher famously known for his durability, is an attractive choice for the Yankees to strengthen their rotation that has been struggling with injuries lately. However; recent reports indicate the Yankees are hesitant to acquire Marcus Stroman due to concerns about committing to a long-term contract extension. This hesitation coincides with issues about the team’s pitching staff including Carlos Rodóns’ performances and Nestor Corte’s history of injuries.

Dodgers’ $380 million payroll: A blueprint for success

The Empire Sports Media’s content creator Ryan Garcia posted on X, “Dodgers have a $380 million payroll but we have to wait for a Marcus Stroman trade to maybe sign Ha Seong Kim who won’t cost $20 mil AAV.” Well, without any hesitation, LA’s 2025 payroll is the highest in MLB history.

This highlights their aggressive pursuit of excellence. They’ve retained key contributors like Teoscar Hernández, added depth with international signings, and shown a commitment to leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of another World Series title. Their fearless attitude stands out against the Yankees’ cautious strategy, especially as New York battles in the AL East division where the Red Sox and Blue Jays are both showing progress.

The Yankees’ way of handling things has left fans disappointed and wondering if they’re truly making the most for their championship success. They’ve been linked to acquiring Padres infielder Ha Seong Kim; however, he wouldn’t command a price of $20 million per year. Yet reports indicate the Yankees need to cut costs to accommodate him, quite different from their reputation of splurging during the George Steinbrenner era.

Critics also point to the Yankees’ history of postseason disappointments. Despite being a market team, with expectations riding on them since their 2009 World Series win, fans are frustrated with the front office’s approach to making impactful changes especially when compared to rival teams’ investments.

Marcus Stroman could solve Yankees’ pitching problems

Marcus Stroman might be the answer to the Yankees’ rotation issues by offering a sense of consistency and trustworthiness that they currently lack. Recognized for his ability to stay on the field and deliver performances inning after inning, Stroman was reputated for keeping opposing offenses in check by generating ground balls. In the 2024 season, he showcased his dependability by pitching 180 innings with a 3.42 ERA. Amid Carlos Rodóns’ search for stability, Nestor Cortes grappling with injuries and Luis Severino’s no longer part of the team, Stroman’s pitching reliability would provide essential consistency to a rotation heavily dependent on Gerrit Cole.

Beyond his regular-season value, Stroman’s playoff experience and competitive nature make him an ideal addition for the Yanks. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, combined with his knack for pitching deep into games, addresses two key areas where the Yankees have faltered in recent Octobers. In a division loaded with powerhouse offenses like the Blue Jays and Orioles, Marcus Stroman’s proven track record of neutralizing elite lineups could be the difference between an early exit and a legitimate postseason run.

At the end, bringing Marcus Stroman on board wouldn’t just address a gap but also show that the Yankees are serious about competing fiercely in 2025.

Do you think the Yanks would take the right call?