However, moving Stroman will require finding a trade partner willing to take on his salary. Teams looking for rotational depth might find Stroman appealing, but the Yankees may need to include a prospect or take back a smaller contract to facilitate a deal.

Trent Grisham’s Contract and the Outfield Picture

Another potential cost-saving measure involves trading Trent Grisham, whose $5 million salary could provide the Yankees with some breathing room under the luxury tax threshold. While moving Grisham would be less impactful financially than dealing Stroman, it would create a vacancy in the outfield. The Yankees would then need to rely on internal options or make an additional move to fill the gap, potentially complicating their efforts to maintain roster balance.

Grisham’s solid defense and ability to cover multiple outfield spots make him a valuable asset, but his offensive inconsistencies could make him expendable in the Yankees’ quest to reallocate resources — I highly doubt it, though.

Addressing Needs in the Infield

The Yankees still need a solution at second or third base, which could allow Jazz Chisholm to return to his natural position at second. With limited options in free agency and a preference to avoid long-term commitments, the Yankees are likely to explore the trade market for an answer.

Potential trade targets could include controllable players on reasonable contracts as the team looks to maximize value while staying under the luxury tax threshold. Adding an established infielder would solidify the lineup and improve defensive alignment, enhancing the team’s overall competitiveness.

Balancing Payroll and Roster Needs

Clearing salary through trades will be key for the Yankees to address their remaining roster gaps without exceeding the luxury tax threshold. While trading Stroman appears to be the most impactful and feasible option, moving Grisham or pursuing other creative solutions could also provide the necessary flexibility.

With the team still in need of infield reinforcements, Cashman’s next moves will be critical in shaping the Yankees’ path to contention in 2025. Balancing financial constraints with the desire to improve will require strategic decision-making as the offseason continues.

Explore More:

The New York Yankees have put together quite a successful emergency backup plan after whiffing on superstar Juan Soto in free agency this winter. So far, the Yankees have signed Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried. They’ve also swung blockbuster trades for reliever Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger.

With all these additions, there have to be players headed out of the Bronx as well. One player the Yankees are almost guaranteed to cut ties with is second baseman Gleyber Torres.

With Torres in free agency, he’s likely to land a contract between one to three years with an average annual value of around $10 million. But with the Yankees looking to upgrade their roster over the 2024 American League pennant-winning squad, Torres is likely headed elsewhere.

If he’s likely to leave the Bronx, where will he sign instead?

Prediction: Gleyber Torres signs with the Los Angeles Angels. Two years, $25 million.

One intriguing team in the free-agent market is the Los Angeles Angels.

Los Angeles has already shown a willingness to spend its money by acquiring starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi early in the offseason. The Angels are looking to win and they’re looking to win as soon as possible.

Adding Torres, who, at this point in his career, is a low-risk, high-reward infielder, would be a massive addition for the win-hungry Angels.

The righty has posted a 100-plus OPS+ in six of his seven big league seasons. He could be signed for less than $15 million a season. The Angels need to pounce on the opportunity while it’s there. Worst case scenario, Los Angeles can flip him at the trade deadline this season or next.