Cubs Rumors: Marcus Stroman wants to sign a long-term extension

Marcus Stroman has been overshadowed by his rotation mate Justin Steele - but not for a lack of comparable results on the mound. The veteran right-hander has pitched like an ace for the Cubs, and is tied for the MLB lead (along with Steele) with seven quality starts on the year.

With an opt-out at the end of the year, should he maintain what he's done early this season, he'd be poised for a big-time payday on the open market. But according to the Sun-Times, Stroman had preliminary extension talks with the Cubs this spring and wants to be a Cub for life.

"I truly love everything about this organization. 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 pitch every fifth day. The organization top down, how they handle the players, how they handle the families, how they operate, I love everything about it. So, I would love to be a Cub for, honestly, the rest of my career, and sign one more deal and be done.
"

- Marcus Stroman

Chicago's rotation has been a major strength - and Stroman's role cannot be overstated. The right-hander and former All-Star has a 2.28 ERA in eight starts, building on his strong finish to the 2022 campaign. Down the stretch last year, he posted a 2.71 ERA in 83 innings, bouncing back from a pair of early IL stints in his first year with the club.

Cubs, Marcus Stroman look like a perfect fit long-term

An extension with Stroman makes sense for the Cubs given the questions that surround Kyle Hendricks and the fact that the team's third-strongest starter, Drew Smyly, is on a one-year deal and is heading into his mid-30s. Stroman and Steele could sit atop the rotation, with Jameson Taillon slotted in behind them, with the staff rounded out by young arms such as Hayden Wesneski or up-and-coming prospects like Ben Brown, Jordan Wicks and Cade Horton.

Don't expect a discount on an extension, either. Stroman is an astute businessman and knows his value. The Cubs, prior to this spring, had a lengthy run of failing to extend players; but with Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner locked up earlier this year, that's a thing of the past and a potential in-season Stroman extension will now be in the back of everyone's minds, especially if he keeps pitching well.