MLB Network analyst John Paul Morosi reported that the Yankees have emerged as the “leading candidate” to agree terms with Marcus Stroman, after the club has had “productive conversations” with the right-hander in recent days.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported earlier this week that the two sides have had “mutual interest” in each other since the general managers’ meetings in November.
The Yankees have been unsuccessful in their efforts to improve the rotation over the winter. They fell short in the bid for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It was reported that he was also interested in Shota Imanga, who is Close to agreeing with the Cubs. MLB Network analyst Jon Heyman wrote in the New York Post last week that the Yankees “stay away in negotiations” with top free agents like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.
But if the Yankees continue their efforts, maybe they can finalize a deal with Stroman. The pitcher is closing in on his second call to the All-Star Game in 2023 and finished the year with a 3.95 ERA over 136.2 innings, though he did not start again after July due to rib and hip injuries.
Having donned a Mets uniform between 2019 and 2021, Stroman has experience playing in New York. He posted a 126 ERA+ in 238.2 innings (44 starts) over that span.
The Red Sox, Orioles, Giants, Angels and Phillies are among the teams that have also been linked to the 32-year-old right-hander.
