Marcus Stroman, Madison Bumgarner
ESNY Graphic, AP Photo

The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in veteran starting pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Marcus Stroman.

The New York Yankees are turning their attention elsewhere after losing the Dallas Keuchel sweepstakes. Per Ken Davidoff of The New York Post, the team has shown interest in pitchers Marcus Stroman and Madison Bumgarner.

The Yankees initially seemed favored to sign Keuchel, but he opted for the Atlanta Braves when they offered more money. Thus, with Luis Severino and now Domingo German injured, the Bronx Bombers are in the market for an arm. With both Bumgarner’s San Francisco Giants and Stroman’s Toronto Blue Jays well out of the playoff race, either could be available at next month’s trade deadline.

Marcus Stroman would indeed be an intriguing option, especially since he grew up in nearby Long Island. He currently leads the majors with eight losses but this can be attributed to Toronto’s overall struggles. He has posted a strong 3.31 ERA despite that and appears to have bounced back from shoulder issues which plagued him last year. At 28, he can still be a boon to any rotation.

Madison Bumgarner, meanwhile, is a bit more complicated. The former World Series MVP is 3-5 with a 4.05 ERA and will turn 30 this summer. He also can block any trade to the Yankees and will be a free agent at season’s end.

One way or another, expect GM Brian Cashman to keep an eye on both players as July 31 draws closer. Knowing him, he could probably acquire either man for a low-level minor leaguer and a Pizza Hut gift card.

The Yankees have plenty of reasons to be interested in both pitchers, so don’t be shocked if these rumors suddenly become reality. Especially if injuries continue to plague the starting rotation!


Josh Benjamin has been a staff writer at ESNY since 2018. He has had opinions about everything, especially the Yankees and Knicks. He co-hosts the “Bleacher Creatures” podcast and is always looking for new pieces of sports history to uncover, usually with a Yankee Tavern chicken parm sub in hand.