When Marcus Stroman signed his three-year contract ($71 million) with the Cubs, we suspected that the Cubs had potentially just got their hands on a guy who could make a difference.
Last year, he was very good for them. And this year, in his second year of contract, he excels.
In eight starts this season (prior to his departure today), Stroman is averaging 2.28 and passing 44 guys in the mitt in 47.1 innings.
The good thing is that Stroman, at the beginning of the year, went to see his manager to tell him that he wanted to be the man for the job. He wanted to be the guy the club looked to for guidance.
And with Justin Steele, that’s what happens.
What we learn is that this conversation with David Ross occurred immediately after the Cubs and the pitcher had discussions with the aim of extending his contract.
In fact, the negotiations did not last long and an agreement is not imminent, but we still feel a desire to see him stay in Chicago.
For Stroman, who has an exit option this winter (he’ll earn $24 million in 2024 if he doesn’t use it… but he should use it), the goal is to sign a big contract to end his career with the Cubs.
It is clear that the Cubs, who are going in the right direction, would benefit from keeping Stroman. Even though the pitcher is now 32 years old, we agree that he still has good years in baseball.
The Cubs would like it to happen in Chicago – and we can understand them. If the demands of the player (who must want a lot of money) are reasonable, why not?
