The Chicago Cubs face a pivotal decision regarding Marcus Stroman, their star pitcher. With only a few weeks remaining until the trade deadline, they must determine whether to sign Stroman to a contract extension or explore the possibility of trading him. Stroman is currently in the second year of a three-year, $71 million contract.
Marcus Stroman Could Renegotiate
While Marcus Stroman is currently under contract, he has an opt-out clause that he is likely to exercise at the end of the season. Given his exceptional performance on the field, he is poised to secure a lucrative payday as a free agent. In fact, Stroman is considered one of the top free-agent pitchers, trailing only Shohei Ohtani.
This season, Stroman has been outstanding, boasting a 7-4 record and an impressive 2.42 ERA. He leads the National League with 85 ⅔ innings pitched and has consistently delivered exceptional performances, allowing two or fewer runs in 17 of his last 21 starts.
Expressing his desire to stay with the Cubs, Stroman has made it clear that he is open to negotiating a new contract. However, the Cubs have yet to engage in substantive discussions with him. As the trade deadline approaches, the Cubs plan to sit down with Stroman to gauge his contract expectations. If an agreement cannot be reached, the team may have no choice but to consider trading him, knowing that several teams will be vying for his services.
Stroman Wants to Stay With the Cubs
Marcus Stroman understands the business aspect of baseball and recognizes that negotiations can be intricate. While he publicly expresses his desire to remain with the Cubs, he understands that decisions must be made in the best interest of the team. Despite his openness about his intentions, the Cubs have not provided a definitive response. Ultimately, the Cubs hold Stroman’s fate in their hands. As time ticks away, fans eagerly await the team’s decision.
Stroman’s exceptional performance and contributions to the Cubs make him a valuable asset, and his future with the team hangs in the balance. The Cubs’ recent history of parting ways with star players adds another layer of uncertainty.