As the offseason progresses, two veteran starting pitchers—Marcus Stroman of the New York Yankees and Jordan Montgomery of the Arizona Diamondbacks—have emerged as potential trade candidates.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, “there is an assumption among other teams” that both players may be moved, though such trades might require their current teams to absorb portions of their salaries.
Financial considerations
Stroman, 33, is set to earn $18 million in 2025, with a player option for the same amount in 2026 if he pitches at least 140 innings in 2025—a threshold he surpassed last season with 154.2 innings. Montgomery, 32, exercised his $22.5 million player option for 2025 after a challenging 2024 season. Both contracts present financial obstacles for potential trade partners, especially considering their recent performances.
Performance and trade implications
In 2024, Stroman posted a 4.31 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 154.2 innings, recording 113 strikeouts. Despite a solid regular season, he was omitted from the Yankees’ postseason roster as the team advanced to the World Series. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Stroman’s contributions, stating, “He was one of the reasons we were able to win the division and get through the playoffs.” Trading Stroman could provide the Yankees with financial flexibility to avoid a steep luxury tax penalty, though his value as rotation depth remains a consideration.
Montgomery’s situation in Arizona appears more precarious. In his first season with the Diamondbacks, the left-hander struggled, posting a 6.23 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 25 appearances—the second-worst marks of his career. While he could rebound in 2025, Arizona may be reluctant to gamble on a turnaround given his $22.5 million salary.
Potential Trade Destinations
The Yankees are reportedly willing to absorb part of Stroman’s salary to facilitate a trade, potentially opening avenues to acquire infield depth. Speculation includes interest in players like Jorge Polanco and Brendan Rodgers, though high-profile acquisitions are considered unlikely.
For Montgomery, the Diamondbacks’ addition of Corbin Burnes has led to speculation about trading from their rotation surplus. While Montgomery appears to be the most likely candidate, his recent performance and salary may limit the return Arizona can expect.
Both Stroman and Montgomery offer potential upside, but their substantial contracts and recent struggles may necessitate their current teams covering portions of their salaries to facilitate trades. The offseason market will determine whether these pitchers find new homes or remain with their current teams into the upcoming season.
News
Lions GM not concerned over closed Super Bowl window despite coaching exodus
As Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes spoke about the playoff exit to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the postseason, he now speaks about the foreseeable future. After the Lions lost offensive and defensive coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to…
NFL Makes Huge Jared Goff Announcement After Career Season
Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions capped off the season with a 15-3 record. The Lions were one of the most dominant teams in the NFL throughout the season and entered the playoffs as the No. 1 team in the NFC standings. Despite…
A Completed Trade Between the Canadiens and Devils Just Took an Unexpected Turn
We have an interesting development following a trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils. As you know, last March, Kent Hughes traded Jake Allen for a conditional 3rd-round pick, which could become a 2nd-round pick if Allen plays more…
Jake Evans Finally Reveals His Contract Demands, and the Details Are Surprising
We have some new information regarding the much-talked-about contract situation of Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans. I believe everyone agrees on keeping Evans with the Canadiens, but of course, it all depends on the price. Well, we finally have news about…
St-Louis Reveals Owen Beck’s Replacement for Tonight’s Game and Makes Two Announcements
As we mentioned this morning, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis made the decision not to hold a morning skate. Therefore, we had to wait for the press conference of the day to find out about the lineup changes for…
Beautiful Sight Live From Canadiens Practice as Reinforcements Could Join the Lineup Soon
We have news about Emil Heineman for you, thanks to the TVA Sports network. In the last few minutes, the network shared images of Heineman, who was on the ice in Brossard. This means that, while Canadiens players are in Detroit, Heineman…
End of content
No more pages to load