The Yankees should go all in for Marcus Stroman

The Yankees have shown interest in nearly every starting pitcher on the open market. But perhaps they should turn their attention to a player that has yet to be mentioned. A New York native by the name of Marcus Stroman.

The Yankees have made it clear that adding starting pitching is their priority. They have been linked to Gerrit Cole of the Pirates, Michael Fulmer of the Tigers and Patrick Corbin of the Diamondbacks.

Having already re-signed CC Sabathia, the Yanks are still interested in adding a top of the line starter to round out their rotation.

However, one of the few pitchers they have not been connected to is possibly the best fit. If the Yankees want a top of the rotation arm, they should look no further than the Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman.

Stroman is in his second year of arbitration, and he won’t be a free agent until after the 2020 season. He’s projected to make $7 million in arbitration this year, which can comfortably fit under the Yanks’ luxury tax threshold.

Marcus Stroman is the top of the line starter the Yankees want

Stroman had the best year of his career in 2017. He pitched to a 3.09 ERA with a 149 ERA+ over 201 IP.  This success came while playing his home games in Rogers Centre, which according to ESPN is the 4th most hitter-friendly park in the MLB.

For comparison, Yankee Stadium is ranked 10th. He played an additional 38 games in AL East ballparks (all in the top 10, except for Tropicana Field). His HR/9 rate was a healthy 0.9, even with last year’s home run plague. Stroman’s high ground ball rate would also fit nicely in Yankees stadium.

Stroman was also only one of eight AL pitchers to throw 200 innings and one of five to do it in both 2016 and 2017. The Yankees have not had a pitcher reach 200 innings since Hiroki Kuroda did in 2013

Another big plus is that Stroman has pitched in the postseason. This level of experience would tremendously help the Yankees, who are poised to contend for a ring over the next few seasons.

Stroman would be costly

With a pitcher of Stroman’s status, Toronto’s asking price would likely be high. Even so, the Yankees should be willing to pay whatever it costs.

Clint Frazier could headline a deal along with a pitching prospect like Chance Adams or Justus Sheffield. Throw in a player like Billy McKinney or Thairo Estrada, along with someone like Albert Abreu, and the Yankees can offer a trade that the Blue Jays just can’t refuse.

The Jays haven’t been actively shopping Stroman. However, they were in talks with the Phillies just three days ago, so it would appear they are at least open to trading him.

Even still, the Jays might not want to send him to a division rival. However, if the Yankees put together a great offer, it would be hard to refuse.

Rise of Didi Gregorius will help Yankees for years to come

After a season to remember for the Yankees in 2017, Didi Gregorius became a premier shortstop in baseball, rivaling the likes of Lindor and Seager.

Even if the price is steep, a trade for Stroman will put the Yankees over the top, making them a bonafide World Series contender.