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Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has been one of the most consistent pitchers in all of baseball this year, but according to the man himself, the Cubs have turned down multiple attempts by him and his agent to discuss a contract extension.
While commenting on a Twitter post from Chief Cub that featured some of his impressive statistics on the season, Stroman said that he and his agent have reached out to the Cubs organization to discuss a long-term contract extension but the Cubs weren't "interested in exploring it now."
My agent and I made multiple attempts to engage them on an extension. Club wasn’t interested in exploring it now. Will see how it plays out! Love everything about the @Cubs organization!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) June 10, 2023
Stroman has a player option for the 2024 season worth $21 million, $4 million less than what he is getting paid this year. If the Cubs do not extend Stroman now, he will likely opt out of this player option and take the largest contract presented to him by whichever team in the offseason (okay maybe not the Mets). The reason the Cubs aren't extending Stroman now is that they probably want to see what kind of trade offers he can fetch at this year's August 1st trade deadline.
With the team performing so poorly and Stroman's opt-out imminent, it makes sense to at least hear out those offers from a business standpoint. From a pragmatic standpoint, the Cubs should just extend Marcus Stroman now and ensure that his talent will stay on the North Side of Chicago for the time being. The man has made it clear that he does not want to be traded and that he enjoys pitching at Wrigley Field and for the Cubs fan base. It would be wise to lock up a guy like that, especially when two of your other long-term contracts (Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner) directly impact the heights a contact-inducing pitcher like Stroman can reach with their elite defensive capabilities.
Stroman is also leading the league with 12 quality starts out of 14 games started on the season. His 2.42 ERA is good for second in the National League behind only Atlanta's Bryce Elder and he will undoubtedly make the All-star team this year. If the Cubs have any class at all they would pay Stroman for his incredible performance and try to keep him around for the next playoff run.