As the Yankees prepare for a pivotal offseason, fans are wondering if the team should trade pitchers Néstor Cortés and Marcus Stroman. With speculation surrounding the possible acquisition of a new star, possibly Juan Soto, these two pitchers have become the center of discussions as the Yankees try to reshape their roster for the 2025 season.
Cortés’ difficulties in the World Series lead to talk of transfers
Néstor Cortés had a postseason to forget, in which his problems in the World Series against the Dodgers were the center of attention. In a crushing moment, he allowed a grand slam to Freddie Freeman, a decisive play that highlighted his difficulties under pressure. After the match, Cortés reflected on his performance, attributing the result to errors in execution. “Baseball comes down to execution,” he said.
Frustration surrounding Cortes’ role only increased in the week following the Yankees’ World Series loss, raising new questions about whether he is the right fit for a team chasing postseason consistency.
One fan shared on Reddit this week: “Cortés has great potential, but we need players who can perform under pressure. “Maybe it’s time to consider a trade if it means reinforcing other areas of the team.” Another added: “Néstor has been very good for us at times, but with his struggles in the postseason, I would prefer we explore other options.”
Marcus Stroman’s uneven 2024 season raises questions
Marcus Stroman’s future with the Yankees is equally uncertain. Although he started the 2024 season strong, his performance declined towards the end. His absence in the postseason has left fans debating his role. “Stroman’s contract is a lot, especially if he can’t give us what we need in October,” said one fan. “If transferring him opens the budget for someone like Soto, we should do it.”
Another fan echoed the sentiment: “Stroman was solid at the beginning, but he was unreliable at the end. “I would rather see that money go toward a younger bat or pitcher who can be here long term.”
The Yankees management, led by Hal Steinbrenner, faces a difficult balancing act. With the team’s payroll already sizable, Steinbrenner has expressed his willingness to explore all options, including the possibility of shedding big-ticket contracts to make room for a star player like Juan Soto. However, this could mean covering part of Cortes’ or Stroman’s contracts in any deal.
“We are very close to doing well, but keeping players who cannot contribute in October does not help us,” commented one fan. “If trading them means bringing in someone who can help us get to the World Series, let’s do it.”
The Yankees’ offseason decisions will have a significant impact on the 2025 roster. Fans remain divided over the future of Cortes and Stroman, but they agree on one thing: Whatever moves the team makes, there are than focusing on bringing the Yankees closer to postseason glory.
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