Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman is officially a free agent this season, and according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Cubs may not be too upset about it. Stroman, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, decided not to exercise his option to extend his contract after publicly expressing his disagreements with the team’s front office back in July. This move has opened up opportunities for the Cubs to nurture their promising young talents within the organization.
Stroman’s journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012. He made his MLB debut with them in 2014 after spending two years in the minors. His impressive career includes winning the World Baseball Classic MVP with Team USA in 2017 and earning his first Gold Glove award in the MLB. In 2019, he was traded to the New York Mets and then signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2021.
Although Stroman started as the Cubs’ opening day pitcher in 2023, he publicly criticized the Chicago front office for their unwillingness to extend his contract just ahead of the trade deadline in July. As a result, he declined the option to extend his contract with the Cubs, becoming a free agent at the end of the season. Nightengale suggests that the Cubs view this as an opportunity to test some of their up-and-coming prospects.
Speaking on the Jack Vita show, Nightengale stated, “I think the Cubs are happy about it. I think they want to go in a different direction.”
Marcus Stroman, a proven MLB starting pitcher, is expected to attract offers for a multi-year contract as the 2024 MLB season approaches. Numerous teams, including the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox, have already been linked to the talented starter. However, the final destination for Stroman’s next chapter in baseball remains uncertain, and only time will reveal where he ultimately lands.
Mark @Feinsand says the Red Sox are a team to watch coming out of the Yamamoto sweepstakes:
“Boston is still in need for rotation help, and while Montgomery and Imanaga are on their radar, the Red Sox could also look to others including Stroman, Giolito and Michael Lorenzen.” pic.twitter.com/pzdZxsUkBj
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) December 22, 2023