Yankees' newfound desperation to trade Marcus Stroman is comical for the Cubs

In his two year-run with the Chicago Cubs, Marcus Stroman came exactly as advertised: a 3.73 ERA over 50 starts; not an ace, but a dependable member of the starting rotation.

When he opted out following the 2023 season, his market was unclear - but he wound up signing with the New York Yankees on a two-year, $37 million deal that contains a vesting option for 2026. But after just one year in the Bronx, Brian Cashman and the Yankees are looking to cut and run - and are even willing to eat money to facilitate a trade.

New York is rumored to be seeking infield upgrades - but probably aren't in on the likes of Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado. Still, shedding at least some of Stroman's contract might open up further possibilities as New York looks to defend its American League crown and finish the job in 2025 after reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009 last fall.

Stroman had a rough go of things in his first year with the team, pitching well in the first half before struggling and eventually losing his spot in the rotation late in the year and not pitching at all in the postseason. He projects as the Yankees' sixth starter right now, which is problematic not just because of his $18 million price tag this year - but the likelihood he could hit trigger an option that would keep him around in 2026.

If the right-hander pitches 140 innings this year, he'll trigger a conditional player option that comes with the same $18 million price tag. Given where pitching prices are this winter, that's not a garrish number, but looking at New York's rotation picture, it's clear those dollars could be better spent elsewhere on the roster.

With Stroman likely to be dealt before Opening Day, the Cubs' decision to not pursue a reunion in free agency last offseason looks better than ever. Chicago filled his spot in the rotation with Shota Imanaga, who finishing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in his first MLB campaign. That signing may very well be the move of last offseason - while the Yankees work through a real case of buyer's remorse.