A former Blue Jay is back in the American League East.
It was reported on Thursday evening that the New York Yankees are signing former Blue Jay ace, Marcus Stroman.
The 32-year-old had a mixed bag in 2023, posting a 3.95 ERA and a 3.58 FIP in 136.2 innings pitched. This was the ground baller’s worst season since the 2018 season with the Jays, where he had a 5.54 ERA and a 3.91 FIP in 102.1 innings pitched.
Stroman is a bonafide middle-of-the-rotation starter, posting a 3.38 ERA and a 3.63 FIP in 638.2 innings pitched from the start of the 2019 season onward. As a Blue Jay, Stroman had a 3.76 ERA and a 3.60 FIP in 789.2 innings pitched, starting 127 of the 133 games he appeared in for Toronto.
The Blue Jays traded Stroman at the 2019 deadline to the New York Mets in exchange for prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. The former recently signed a contract to play in Japan’s Nippon Baseball League, while the latter was traded at the 2021 deadline along with Austin Martin for José Berríos.
If reports are to be believed, the Yankees were heavily in on superstar pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto prior to him signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Stroman likely isn’t of the same calibre as Yamamoto, Stroman has shown throughout his career to eat innings and pitch well.
It’s also worth mentioning that Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees have offered a contract to Blake Snell. It remains to be seen whether or not they still pursue the reigning National League Cy Young winner.
At some point, the Blue Jays need a big addition to their lineup. The Yankees have already added Stroman, as well as Juan Soto who agreed to the largest arbitration deal of $31.5 million. As for the Jays, the only player they’ve acquired who wasn’t on the 2023 team is Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who is best used in a super utility role.
Hopefully soon, the floodgates will open and the Jays will land one of Cody Bellinger or Matt Chapman. Alternatively, the Jays have the ability to swing a big trade for one of their needs, whether that be for an outfielder or a third baseman.
As always, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads @Brennan_L_D.

ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO