Chicago Cubs Rumors: They should sign Marcus Stroman

The Chicago Cubs should reap all of the benefits that would come with signing right-hander Marcus Stroman this offseason.

As the 60-game abbreviated 2020 season is coming to a close, all eyes are looking towards the upcoming offseason, this year’s class of free agents, and the hope of having a somewhat normal 2021 baseball season. Regarding the Chicago Cubs, their offseason is set to be different and quite strange compared to their past few offseasons.

In recent years, the team’s lineup and rotation stayed consistent for the most part, except for a spattering of changes here and there. But this offseason, this will not be the case.

There is no denying that part of this lack of normalcy can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, other contributing factors to the need for change to the team are the amount of current Cubs’ being granted free agency and the uncertainty surrounding the state of the team’s budget. To contend in 2021 and adapt to the organization’s changing state, the Cubs’ will need to find ways to fill their situational needs, and one of their most significant needs is their pitching, specifically their starting rotation.

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Regarding the rotation, southpaw Jose Quintana and veterans Tyler Chatwood and Jon Lester are set to hit free agency. Kyle Hendricks and Yu Darvish will remain as the team’s first two starters. Alec Mills has likely earned a chance at a spot, and Adbert Alzolay has turned a corner himself, but both are young and could further develop.

As for a veteran arm, the return of Jon Lester is more than possible, but the front office would benefit from looking for qualified arms beyond the organization and into the free-agent scene. With that being said, one viable option is right-hander Marcus Stroman.

Stroman didn’t pitch during the 2020 shortened season after suffering a tear in his left calf. While the injury was not severe and Stroman was set to make his return to the New York Mets in August, he decided to opt-out of the rest of the season instead via Twitter, citing COVID-19 concerns to explain his decision.

Stroman, 29, has been at the forefront of free agency rumors, and for a good reason. Throughout his career pitching with both New York and the Toronto Blue Jays, the one-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner has had a solid career, posting a 3.76 ERA.

While Stroman would bring his A-game wherever he lands this offseason, he is mostly a good fit for the Cubs. Stroman would be a reliable arm to put behind Hendricks. Darvish and his big league experience would help provide stability to a starting rotation that needs to improve, looking onto 2021.

Though it is uncertain what Stroman’s price tag will look especially with the league’s current economic state, hopefully, Stroman is in arm’s reach. The Cubs reap all the benefits that would come with signing him this offseason.