Handing out Cubs starting rotation midseason report cards

Cubs Midseason Report Card - Marcus Stroman: A+

Marcus Stroman is pitching like an ace - and a man who's going to get paid when he opts out of the final year of his contract at season's end. He's put the ball in Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins' court when it comes to any sort of extension or new contract, while continuing to go out and dominate on the mound.

The right-hander leads the league with 19 starts, a complete game and one shutout - carrying a 2.96 ERA into the All-Star Break. He could be the Cubs' most valuable trade chip come the trade deadline, but he's made it clear that he wants to stay in Chicago long-term.

Stroman made five starts in June and was lights-out, putting up a 2.17 ERA. His final two starts of the first half really stood out (and not in a good way) from the body of work, as a whole, and prompted him to skip this week's festivities in Seattle as he looks to rest and get ready for the second half.

Given how solid he's been, especially since about this point last season, the Stroman signing has been a steal for Chicago. Like several other names on this list, he could wind up pitching somewhere else come August, but he's checked every single box during his Cubs tenure.