MLB Hot Stove Rumors: Yankees open to moving Marcus Stroman; Sandy Alcantara unlikely to be traded; Roki Sasaki’s Impact looms large

As we move past the holiday season, MLB free agency has gotten serious. With each passing day, more and more players are being taken off the board, leaving front offices with limited options.

It is not just free agency, either. Trades have started to come in left and right for teams trying to build out their rosters for the 2025 season. During the early hours of Wednesday, the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks made a trade sending Grae Kessinger to Arizona for Matthew Linsky.

There are still plenty of free agents and trades to be had, and some of them may come as soon as later this week. Today, we go over some of these trade speculations and visit Roki Sasaki's market.

MLB Hot Stove Rumors

1.) Yankees open to shopping Marcus Stroman

Marcus Stroman's time with the New York Yankees may have come to an end. According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the club is open to trading Stroman ahead of the 2025 season.

Morosi believes the San Diego Padres could be of interest here. They have been looking to shop Luis Arraez this offseason and the Yanks could use a second or first baseman for 2025.

2.) Sandy Alcantara likely staying in Miami

Morosi later spoke about Sandy Alcantara and his market. While the team has shopped him around this winter, the likelihood is that he will stay with the Miami Marlins.

Alcantara missed the entirety of the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The last time he pitched was back in 2023, so all eyes will be on him when he returns.

3.) Roki Sasaki's market

One of the biggest headlines this winter has been where will Roki Sasaki end up. The Japanese flamethrower has received interest from nearly every team in the league, and for good reason.

Sasaki has the potential to be an MLB ace with his high-velocity fastball and devastating splitter. Multiple insiders believe he will have little trouble shining in the United States.

Those who are in the running to sign Sasaki include the Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Rangers and the Mariners. Seattle could be a great fit, and it would help the club elsewhere.

They have been looking to trade Luis Castillo this winter, and acquiring Sasaki could help push the Castillo trade. Seattle could bring back a solid bat in return for Castillo, something they desperately need.