In recent Cubs history, there have been some crucial swing-and-miss off-season signings by the front office.
Signing Marcus Stroman to a three-year deal heading into the 2022 season was not one of them.
Since joining the Cubs in 2022, Stroman has been one of the best pitchers in MLB.
Stroman was great in ‘22, despite injuries reducing his production. Stroman tossed 138.2 solid innings last season to a 3.50 ERA.
He’s been even better this season, leading an elite 1-2 tandem with Justin Steele. Like the rest of the Chicago rotation, Stroman’s pitching style benefited from the Cubs’ infield defense. Stroman’s sinker creates a high number of groundouts that shortstop Dansby Swanson and second baseman Nico Hoerner gobble up efficiently.
Stroman boasts a 2.59 ERA and league-bests in WHIP (0.986) and quality starts (10) before his start against the San Diego Padres on Sunday afternoon. Stroman has nearly gone the distance on back-to-back starts and has earned the win three starts in a row.
His past two starts have been the best of his Chicago and, maybe, MLB career.
Stroman breezed through the New York Mets – his former team – in an eight-inning start on May 24 at Wrigley Field. Stroman’s pitches worked to a T in the electric outing. He induced 18 ground balls, only four fly balls, and zero hard-hit line drives. Essentially, Stroman was a master at work.
Still, his best was yet to come.
Stroman threw a complete game, one-hit shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays – the best team in baseball. Stroman tossed a season-high eight strikeouts in the masterclass that officially cemented him as one of the best starters in baseball.
Stroman has more than delivered on his 2-year/$50 million contract he signed in the 2022 off-season. He elevated his status from a former All-Star to an important trade asset if the Cubs continue to underperform. The team sits 25-32 and in fourth place in the National League Central. Stroman holds a player option for 2024, which puts his future role with the team up in the air.
If the Cubs continue to underperform and a team puts the right offer on the table come the trade deadline of Aug. 1, Stroman could be shipped to a contending team.
Still, Marcus has been outspoken about Wrigley Field, the fans, and playing in Chicago long term.
He wants to stay.
Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
