The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly exploring a potential trade for veteran pitcher Marcus Stroman, currently on the New York Yankees‘ roster. A move to Pittsburgh might mirror their successful gamble on A.J. Burnett in 2012, giving Stroman the chance to bounce back in a more pitcher-friendly environment. Could this be the Pirates’ next big move?
Stroman’s struggles in 2024 and signs of hope
Marcus Stroman’s 2024 season was inconsistent at best, with a 4.31 ERA, a career-low 16.7% strikeout rate, and a 1.47 WHIP over 154.2 innings. However, advanced metrics tell a more optimistic story. His 3.85 xFIP and a 47.8% groundball rate suggest his performance might have been hampered by bad luck, including an inflated .403 BABIP.
Yankee Stadium, one of the most homer-friendly parks in MLB, did him no favors either. Stroman posted a troubling 5.31 ERA at home but a much-improved 3.09 ERA on the road. A move to PNC Park, which ranks among the league’s least homer-friendly venues, could help mitigate his home run issues and allow him to thrive.
Why the Pirates could benefit from acquiring Stroman
The Pirates already have a promising rotation headlined by Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones. Adding Stroman would bring veteran stability to the mix. His ability to induce weak contact, as evidenced by his 6.7% barrel rate (top 70th percentile in 2024), aligns well with the Pirates’ defensive strengths.
Moreover, Stroman demonstrated improvement in the second half of 2024. He slashed his walk rate to a stellar 5.7% and reduced his home runs allowed per nine innings to just 0.72. These adjustments indicate that he could still be a valuable middle-of-the-rotation arm, especially in the right environment.
Is this A.J. Burnett 2.0 for the Pirates?
The similarities between Stroman and the Pirates’ acquisition of A.J. Burnett in 2012 are striking. Back then, Burnett was also coming off a rough stretch with the Yankees and was viewed as a pitcher past his prime. However, a change of scenery to Pittsburgh rejuvenated his career, leading to a stellar 3.51 ERA in his first season with the Pirates.
Stroman, now 34 years old, finds himself in a similar position. Like Burnett, he has a hefty contract that the Yankees might be eager to offload. If the Pirates were to take on 40% of Stroman’s remaining salary—roughly $7.4 million for 2025—it would be a cost-effective risk. Considering the rising market for even mid-tier starting pitchers, this deal could be a bargain if Stroman returns to form.
The financial and strategic implications
Acquiring Stroman would not only bolster the Pirates’ rotation but also provide a veteran presence for their younger pitchers. His durability is a significant asset, having made at least 25 starts in seven of his last eight seasons. Additionally, Stroman’s groundball-heavy approach is perfectly suited for PNC Park, where long balls are harder to come by.
From a financial standpoint, taking on a portion of Stroman’s salary could be a savvy move. Back-of-the-rotation arms are increasingly expensive, and securing Stroman for under $10 million annually would leave room for the Pirates to address other roster needs.
What’s next for the Pirates?
If the Pirates can replicate the Burnett trade model, they could unlock Marcus Stroman’s potential and add a stabilizing force to their rotation. While Stroman’s recent numbers may not dazzle, his underlying metrics and second-half improvements suggest that he has more to offer. A fresh start in Pittsburgh could be exactly what he needs to revive his career.
For the Pirates, this move could signal their ambitions to contend in 2025. With a young core of talented players and a revamped rotation, adding Stroman might be the low-risk, high-reward gamble that helps them take the next step. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see if they make this calculated move to strengthen their roster.
