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Yankees May Have Another Option to Trade $37 Million Starter After Injury News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Feb 17, 2025 2:23 PM ET

The New York Yankees' list of possible trade partners continues to grow. Looking to deal veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman, the Yankees knew that coming into spring training would be their best option to offload him and more of his $18.5-million salary for 2025.

With the news out of Port St. Lucie, the Yankees may have a new potential trade partner.

According to New York Post beat writer Mike Puma, New York Mets' veteran right-hander Frankie Montas was shut down from throwing and would miss "significant” time. Montas is dealing with a high-grade lat strain and will be shut down from throwing for six to eight weeks.

With an already questionable rotation heading into camp, the Mets will likely be looking for a proven big-league starter to plug into their rotation.

The Yankees could try to match up with the Mets on a deal that could include them getting back infield help.

Former first-round pick Brett Baty began the 2024 season as the Mets' starting third baseman but lost the job in late May to Mark Vientos. With the return of Pete Alonso to play first base for the Mets, Baty's path seems blocked.

In parts of three seasons, Baty has never established himself as a big leaguer with the Mets.

The 25-year-old slashed .229/.306/.327 with four home runs in 50 games last season. In Triple-A, however, he put up a better line of .252/ .349/.504 with a .853 OPS and 16 home runs in 62 games.

It would be a reunion for Stroman and the Mets.

He was traded there at the July deadline in 2019 and returned for a full season in 2021. In 44 starts for the Mets, Stroman pitched to a 3.21 ERA.

Stroman is sixth on the Yankees' starting depth chart, and with a $18.5 million salary for 2025, he is too expensive to be a spot starter. After missing the first two days of pitchers' and catchers' workouts, Stroman told reporters he would not pitch out of the bullpen.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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