Just before the season began, you saw the Yankees found themselves grappling with a host of concerns. Well, none more pressing than the uncertainty about their starting rotation. Injuries had taken a toll, casting doubt over the team’s ability to compete out of the gate. Moreover, it wasn’t just about talent on the mound, but about depth, continuity, and whether the patched-up rotation could hold until reinforcements arrived.

Now, fast forward to the present, and that anxious preseason narrative feels like a distant memory. Yes, finally, the Yankees have found their stride, with a rotation that looks increasingly cohesive, confident, and consistent. One by one, the cracks that once threatened to derail their campaign are being sealed. And now, with their rotation humming, the Yankees might be ready to mend one of their controversial names, Marcus Stroman.

Well, you’ll remember the early-season tension surrounding Stroman. A back-and-forth about his role, whether he’d anchor the rotation or be pushed toward the bullpen. It sparked debate and stirred drama. But now, with the team’s foundation stabilized, the Yankees may finally be in a position to resolve that saga once and for all. And to your surprise, Stroman’s trade value is projected to increase hereon!

“Marcus Stroman’s trade value is actually increasing by being on the injured list. Now that he’s sidelined, he won’t be able to automatically exercise his player option since he’ll fall short of 140 innings.” MLB insider Bob Nightengale just offered a positive view for the team as Stroman is still placed on the injured list.

For the unversed, Stroman’s left knee is still creating issues. So, he did not have much time to touch the 140-inning mark this season, which would’ve automatically dilute his $18 million player option for 2026. Once he played a minimum of 140 innings this season, the Yankees would have been forced to pay him $18 million for the next year. Now you could relate why the Yankees weren’t able to trade Stroman at the start of the season.

That clause was also a red flag for teams sniffing around trade talks over the winter. The Yankees tried to gauge interest, but suitors backed away, spooked by the prospect of being shackled to that salary if Stroman broke down. Moreover, no suitors will risk a pitcher with an 11.57 ERA from the 3 starts this year.

But hey, no one would have expected the turn of fate that is tilting in the Yankees’ favor. So, if Stroman could make it back to the mound before the trade deadline and offer even a glimpse of the form he showed early in the season, the deal is done. The Yankees won’t just be saving money, but they could project a golden arm for the suitors with no long-term risk!

And just like that, the Yankees may be holding one of the most intriguing cards on the summer trade table.

The Yankees’ starting rotation is yielding results

Well, Stroman was surely a name considered at the initial stage. But now the Yankees’ rotation has moved on without him. Max Fried (1.29 ERA) and Carlos Rodon (3.17 ERA) are dealing at the top. They both are delivering the kind of dominance that anchors a contender. Additionally, Clarke Schmidt (4.41 ERA) has taken a step forward. He is flashing the kind of poise and command that suggests he’s turning a corner.

But among all these names, Fried should get a special mention, considering how he got onboarded to lead a devastated lineup!

Initially, the most devastating blow was the loss of Gerrit Cole, the unquestioned ace and heartbeat of the Bronx rotation. For most teams, losing a pitcher of Cole’s stature would be a death sentence. But when you get a name like Max Fried, you would thrive.

With Fried leading the charge, New York’s rotation has been quietly excellent. They rank ninth in MLB with a 3.54 ERA and fifth in WHIP at 1.17. Yes, that’s not all on Fried’s shoulders, but you should agree that he’s the engine.

Nevertheless, it would now be worth watching which team will come forward to land Stroman!