New York Yankees reportedly turned down free agent All-Star ‘seriously interested’ in joining team
A top pitcher in free agency has “serious interest” in signing with the New York Yankees but the organization reportedly passed on the opportunity despite a priority to bolster their starting rotation this winter.
The next few weeks should be very interesting for the Yankees. The organization entered the offseason with several needs and addressed a few of them in one fell swoop when they made a blockbuster trade for All-Star outfielder Juan Soto. Yet, while the young star will improve their lineup immensely, upgrading the rotation was a priority this winter.
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That is why the organization made a hard push to sign gifted Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto last month. However, despite being one of the favorites in the chase, the Yankees came up short of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nevertheless, despite the setback, the goal remains the same.
That is why New York has been linked to top-line free agents like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery in recent days. Furthermore, there have been rumblings over the last week that the team is also pursuing a blockbuster trade for Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease. A big addition is likely after it was revealed over the weekend that controlling owner Hal Steinbrenner is fully behind making a significant pitching acquisition soon.
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New York Yankees snub interest from Marcus Stroman
However, one player they will not be signing is Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs veteran Marcus Stroman. On Sunday, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that “Marcus Stroman has informed the Yankees he’s seriously interested in signing with them.” However, it seems — at least for now — the organization chose not to make the 32-year-old New York native an offer.
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The Yankees know Stroman well as he became a star during his first six and a half seasons with the Blue Jays before being traded to inner-city rivals the Mets. He had a strong season for the Cubs in 2023 and earned All-Star honors. However, he opted out of the final year of his deal and rubbed many fans and Chicago executives the wrong way with comments about his long-term contract situation during the season.
