Marcus Stroman

Both players have impressed Yankees captain Aaron Judge this spring.

“He wants to be the best when the most people are watching,” Stroman's former coach said.

The team's quest for additional starting pitching help needs to continue, or even accelerate.

How does Marcus Stroman fit with the Yankees? And what could the rest of their offseason look like?

The 32-year-old Long Island native has a career 3.65 ERA in nearly 1,400 innings.

From 2019-22, Stroman was more effective than Blake Snell. He doesn't have that Cy Young Award ceiling, but he can help the Giants win.

The Cubs appreciate what Stroman brought to the team but will likely reallocate his money to other pitching targets.

Stroman's player option for the 2024 season was worth $21 million. 

The potential depth chart will allow the Cubs to focus on different areas, prioritizing Cody Bellinger as well as bullpen improvements.

Two of the relievers David Ross trusts most are on the shelf. Stroman gives him a veteran he trusts who can step up no matter the situation.

Stroman doesn't know when he might be able to return after suffering a right rib cage cartilage fracture.

Stroman will not do any baseball activities until he’s symptom-free.

"Hopefully, this Stro thing is not crazy serious and he's just pushed back," manager David Ross said.

Do the Cubs have everything they need to compete for a playoff spot? That is an open question, but they're giving themselves a chance.

Wrigley Field has an energy that’s been lacking for far too long. Can the Cubs can build off that energy and make a run to October?

The surging Cubs have two days to maximize their rising playoff chances after looking like a team that would sell until recently.

There is no gray area 72 hours ahead of the trade deadline. The Cubs are looking to add major-league talent.      

The real question is shifting from how much the Cubs can get in a Stroman deal to how they can get more out of him in a playoff race.