The New York Yankees are currently in the midst of speculation surrounding potential roster moves that could significantly impact the upcoming 2025 MLB season. Following a flurry of activity in December that included the acquisition of star pitcher Max Fried, a trade for reliever Devin Williams, and the signing of outfielder Cody Bellinger, the Yankees have since taken a quieter approach. However, the urgency to finalize their roster remains, particularly with one last infield position to fill and adjustments needed in both the starting rotation and bullpen.
Three names have emerged as potential targets for the Yankees: infielder Alex Bregman, Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, and pitcher Marcus Stroman, who is reportedly on the trade block. Each of these options presents unique challenges and opportunities for the Bronx Bombers.
Starting with Alex Bregman, there were initial rumors connecting the former Houston Astros star to the Yankees. However, recent assessments suggest that the likelihood of Bregman donning pinstripes is diminishing. Many experts believe that the Yankees may opt to either retain DJ LeMahieu or provide rising prospect Oswald Peraza with a chance at the third base position. This decision, however, carries inherent risks due to LeMahieu’s recent struggles with injuries and performance consistency.
Another intriguing name on the Yankees’ radar is Roki Sasaki, regarded as one of Japan’s most promising pitching talents. The Yankees have reportedly met with Sasaki’s representatives, indicating mutual interest. Yet, a significant hurdle exists in the form of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who offer Sasaki an attractive package including proximity to his home country, a successful franchise history, and a strong track record in developing pitchers. With each passing day, the Yankees’ chances of securing Sasaki appear to be waning, making this pursuit a challenging endeavor.
The final name drawing attention is Marcus Stroman, who seems to be on the verge of exiting the Yankees’ roster. With six pitchers competing for five rotation spots, Stroman has become the odd man out, particularly following a less-than-stellar performance in 2024 and with $18.5 million remaining on his contract. The Toronto Blue Jays, in desperate need of pitching reinforcement, may view Stroman as an ideal addition to their rotation, which already features Kevin Gausman and José Berríos. If they cannot find a better option on the market, a trade for Stroman could relieve the Yankees of his contract, providing them with payroll flexibility to pursue other necessary moves.
As speculation continues, Yankees fans are left to ponder which avenue the team should pursue. Should the front office make a bold play for Bregman, invest in the potential of Sasaki, or trade Stroman to create new opportunities? The 2025 season promises to be filled with excitement, and fans will be keenly watching how these developments unfold. The Yankees’ front office, led by Brian Cashman, faces crucial decisions that could shape the team’s future, and the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the direction of the franchise.
