The New York Yankees’ offseason has been marked by the acquisitions of Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Devin Williams, and Paul Goldschmidt. However, with Gleyber Torres leaving in free agency, the Yankees may be looking to add more depth to their infield. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are actively seeking to trade Marcus Stroman, and they may look to use him in a deal to secure infield help. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggested a trade that would not only move Stroman but also bring second baseman Luis Arráez from the San Diego Padres to New York.
In the proposed trade, the Yankees would receive Arráez, while the Padres would acquire Stroman, right-handed pitcher Will Warren (the Yankees’ No. 5 prospect), and cash. Stroman, who signed a two-year, $37 million deal last year, has an $18 million vesting option for 2026. After an All-Star performance in 2023, his level of play dipped, making a trade of Stroman a top priority for the Yankees.
To make this trade happen, the Yankees would likely need to cover some of Stroman’s salary and offer a top-five prospect to convince the Padres to part with Arráez. With Arráez set to become a free agent after the season, the Padres might be open to trading him if they fear he’ll walk in free agency. Spotrac estimates he could land a nine-year, $154 million deal.
While Arráez’s defense at second base is below average—he has a career -33 outs above average—his offensive prowess more than compensates for his defensive shortcomings. The three-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and three-time batting champion would provide a significant boost to the Yankees’ lineup if they consider him as a long-term option.
