Dream Yankees-Mets trade probably already a bust after Frankie Montas injury

The New York Yankees have spent the duration of the post-Max-Fried-signing offseason screaming from the rooftops that they'd like to trade Marcus Stroman now, please. Unfortunately, they've given off the same level of desperation as a "Love is Blind" contestant who accidentally admits they're only sticking around the house for one specific girl (who's talking to five additional men, all named Dave).

Typically, that doesn't pay off on the trade market, especially when there's $18 million (and another $18 million vesting player option for 2026) still dangling in the balance.

A "bad contract for bad contract" swap could always work, where the Yankees agree to take on more length (and a better roster fit) in order to rid themselves of Stroman's unnecessary short-term salary. Unfortunately, that would require the Yankees absorbing a larger burden. They've been unwilling to do that all along, cutting off the very small group of potential options (like Nolan Arenado) at the head and leaving them lingering somewhere close to square one.

If only the Yankees could find another team with a heightened one-year cost currently attached to a player who's been squeezed off the top layer of their depth chart. If only there were two expensive players who've fallen out of favor ... maybe an excess bat on a pitching-needy team, and a No. 6 starter on a team that could use more punch in the wake of a DH injury.

Oh. Wait. Just checked out the Mets and they're down Frankie Montas for two or three months and have no need for Starling Marte, who counts for $19.5 million against the luxury tax this season. Don't look into who replaced Marte. It's not worthwhile or interesting. Could the Yankees and Mets swap Stroman for Marte, making Stroman's 140-inning vesting option the Mets' concern?

Bleh. Don't count on it.

Yankees, Mets probably cannot trade Marcus Stroman for Starling Marte despite Frankie Montas' injury

According to SNY's Andy Martino, this trade pitch is a non-starter, as the Mets "are not likely to fill that need externally," trusting their rebuilt depth instead. That could mean an opportunity for top prospect Brandon Sproat and a reopened door for Tylor Megill. It could also, technically, mean a Jose Quintana signing; the former Met remains available on the free agent market.

The way Stroman exited Queens in the first place (as well as the way he arrived), coupled with the pleasure Steve Cohen likely gets from Hal Steinbrenner groveling, probably doesn't help the situation much. Sorry, Yankee fans. It was a good idea while it lasted, but it's time to look "internally" on our side of town, too.