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Marcus Stroman is having a career season with the Cubs.
In 13 starts this season, Stroman holds a 2.39 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, the latter of which leads the National League. He has 68 strikeouts over 27 walks with 79 innings pitched thus far. He’s indubitably the Cubs’ most valuable asset.
The Cubs, despite Stroman’s uncanny season, are not performing as well as their ace. They stand second-to-last in the NL Central, above only the St. Louis Cardinals. Roster enhancements from this past offseason aside, the Cubs are underperforming.
Hence, they could look to trade Stroman for assets to bolster their roster and farm system. But MLB Insider Jon Heyman argues, and hopes, they don’t become sellers at the trade deadline; unless Stroman doesn’t want to play for the Cubs, which he said the exact opposite when speaking on the subject earlier this season.
“The guy has performed incredibly this year, I mean he’s been among the very best pitchers in the league and has actually actually assisted keep them in it,” Heyman stated on 670 The Score. “I would state the general-out-there mindset most likely suggests if he does get traded, I believe the Blue Jays and the Mets are most likely not prospects to take him back. But, I believe that on-field things isn’t going to trigger anybody else to think twice if they do trade him.”
“And again, I’m not wishing they become a seller. If they do, they would get a lot for him. He’s been great.”
Back in early May, Stroman revealed his desire to stay on the North Side past his present agreement.
“I’ve been open with the front office here, been very vocal that I want to be here and I want an extension, that I don’t want to honestly make it to free agency,” Stroman informed the Sun-Times then. “But I’m also very confident in my abilities in free agency. I’ve always bet on myself.”
RELATED: Report: Marcus Stroman looking for extension with Chicago Cubs
Stroman has a gamer choice on his agreement for next season, suggesting he can pull out of his last year with the Cubs in hopes of drawing in a larger agreement number. He chooses the Cubs grant him a long-lasting extension prior to he strikes totally free company.
This season, the Cubs have currently talented Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ with three-year $35 million and three-year $61 million extensions, respectively. Is Stroman next in line to make a payday?
The Cubs may wish to keep him around if they prefer to make the playoffs in their weak department. Despite standing 4th in the NL Central, they’re just 6 video games back.
Stroman has the numbers to support the outcome of a raise. And he has the upper hand as one of the very best pitchers in the National League this season. A great deal of groups in MLB desire Stroman, however he just wishes to be on one group for the time being.
“I truly love everything about this organization,” Stroman stated in May. “Being someone who’s [going into] year 10 in the big leagues, I value that. And I love going out into the buzz at Wrigley every time I go out to pitch every fifth day.
“The company top down, how they manage the gamers, how they manage the households, how they run, I like whatever about it. So, I would like to be a Cub for, truthfully, the rest of my profession, and sign another offer and be done.”
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