Marcus Stroman takes Cubs contract negotiations to Twitter
Marcus Stroman is ready to extend his time in Chicago — but the feeling may not be mutual.
The Cubs hurler responded to a Tweet from a fan account (@ChiefCub) on Saturday listing some of his impressive 2023 statistics with an unexpected airing of grievances about his contract situation.
“My agent and I made multiple attempts to engage them on an extension,” he said. “Club wasn’t interested in exploring it now.”
The former Mets right-hander is off to an excellent start this year, posting quality starts in 12 out of 14 outings.
Stroman’s comments on Twitter — where he is frequently outspoken — made it clear that he’s trying to leverage that performance into a contract extension in Chicago.
“‘I’m just being straight up and real and honest with the negotiations,” Stroman said to The Athletic. “I want nothing more than to be a Cub. I kill myself 24/7 — on and off the field — to perform well, to keep my body in position, keep my mind in position. I truly believe I prepare like nobody else, so I know my worth.”
Marcus Stroman wants a new Cubs contract. Getty Images
Stroman, 32, is in the second season of a three-year, $71 million contract, which includes an opt-out clause after this season.
He’s already been floated as a possible trade target for contending clubs this summer, as the 28-37 Cubs, appears unlikely to contend and could be sellers at the trade deadline.
The righty, who was traded to New York in 2019 and pitched one full season for the Mets in 2021, is on pace for the best season of his career.
Marcus Stroman is having a strong season for the Cubs. Getty Images
Per Baseball Reference, Stroman already has a 3.3 WAR this year in 85 2/3 innings, a mark that almost matches his 3.4 WAR total in 179 innings with the Mets in 2021.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, who has led Chicago through a retooling period over the last two seasons, following trades of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Báez in 2021, wouldn’t comment on Stroman’s contract.
“He’s been everything we hoped for when we signed him,” Hoyer told The Athletic. “We enjoy having him. We’ve given him the freedom to be himself, and he’s reciprocated that by pitching great. He’s been terrific for us.”
For now, the next chapter in Stroman’s career is up in the air.
Source: New York Post
