Blue Jays righty Marcus Stroman has come to terms with the fact that he’s a near-certainty to be traded and told reporters this week that he’s not expecting the team to make any final efforts to sign him long-term (link via Bill Ladson of MLB.com). Though he tries not to focus on trade rumblings, Stroman acknowledged that he can’t avoid all of the talk, implying that as a New York native, the frequent connections between him and the Yankees have been on his radar. “I’m from New York and I’m a New York boy,” said Stroman. “That kind of says everything for itself.” Stroman noted that he loves pitching in the spotlight of Yankee Stadium, even if the Yankees’ lineup tends to be “brutal” for opposing pitchers. Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling also has comments from Stroman on the possibility of a trade and the manner in which he tries to tune out trade chatter, knowing it’s not something he can control. In 100 2/3 innings this season, Stroman has posted a tidy 3.04 ERA with 6.9 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 0.8 HR/9 and a 57.9 percent ground-ball rate. He’s earning $7.4MM in 2019 and is arbitration-eligible for the final time this winter.
More out of Toronto…
- Closer Ken Giles came to the Blue Jays with a questionable clubhouse reputation, but The Athletic’s John Lott writes (subscription required) that Giles has quickly changed the narrative, emerging as a leader and mentor to less-experienced pitchers. First-year manager Charlie Montoyo even acknowledged a bit of surprise regarding Giles’ demeanor, telling Lott: “You gotta give him all the credit. He’ll do anything for the team. I didn’t know he was like that. I saw what you guys saw from Houston and all that stuff.” Freddy Galvis, who was on the Phillies when Giles made his MLB debut there, suggested that while he never had an issue with Giles, it’s also obvious that the right-hander has matured since they were last teammates. Giles acknowledges that fatherhood, among other factors, has changed his perspective on life. The closer plainly states that he loves it in Toronto and would prefer to stay there, but he’s also keenly aware that a trade is not only possible but likely. Giles, who is controlled through the 2020 season, has a 1.33 ERA and a 47-to-8 K/BB ratio through 27 innings with the Blue Jays so far in 2019.
- Zwelling also takes a close look at what has been a near-seamless transition to left field for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. The converted infielder has played just 28 MLB games there (plus another seven in the minors) but already looks comfortable in his new environs. Gurriel has racked up five outfield assists through just 241 innings while impressing the coaching staff and teammates alike with his outfield play. “Lourdes is unreal out there,” said Stroman of his teammate. “Man, I can’t put it into words. He looks like he’s been playing left field for years. It’s pretty shocking. And it’s exciting.” Meanwhile, Gurriel has somewhat quietly been on a tear at the plate as well. Since being recalled from Triple-A on May 24, he’s raked at a .330/.372/.679 clip with 10 homers, seven doubles and a triple in 121 plate appearances.
Remember when Giles punched himself in the face
Gen Kiles did that, not Ken Giles
I wonder if the Yankees would really want this Stroman. He appears to be kind of a loud-mouth Jerkoff. I dont see Ca$hman going for that.
Terrible take based on your wrong opinion
Thank you for your WRONG disagreement.-.:)
But look who is getting the upvotes.
NOT YOU!
Why because he speaks his mind?
He’s emotional out there, sure, but not in an obnoxious way. He’s not someone who picks fights or shows up his opponent.
Why? Is there a maximum number of “loud-mouth Jerkoffs” allowed on a team?
25?
Somebody should tell him about Gary Sanchez then. Although he’s not so much a loudmouth, just a jerkoff.
Gary Sanchez, Bret Garner…. OMG, have you seen the way Garner acts if a strike is called? He acts like… ” How dare you call a strike? I am wearing a freakin YANKEE uniform! Can’t you see that?”
Who’s “garner”?
You appear to be a loudmouth jerkoff lol
Your Mom doesn’t think so!
Because he shows emotion?
He struggles with adversity. Gets easily offended and flustered. Anyone can look cool when things are going their way.
Giles is a nut case, he’s going to implode at some point… wonder what the inter division trade would look like between the Yankees and blue jays for Stroman. Seems like a fit on paper.
Frazier and Estrada and German might do it.
Huge overpay. You’re not getting German. Only reason his ERA went up is because he was hurt . he was the win leader and atop the ERA boards much this year. He’s our number 2 with Sevy back and that’s with Tanaka with low ERA.
Minus German add someone like Medina. Be happy you got Frazier and solid player like Estrada who gets undervalued on the daily
Slow your roll sparky. All three of those guys have proven some level of success at the major league level. No way does all three go for a year and a half of Stroman.
Deivi Garcia needs to be included in the Stroman trade. Don’t want Estrada, Yanks won’t trade German and have stated they won’t trade Frazier. Yanks are not the best trade partner for Toronto. Jays should be looking at Tampa, Minnesota, Houston, Atlanta, Philly.
I think they would trade Frazier in a deal for Stroman. Whether or not the Jays want him is another matter.
I’m only going by the reports out of New York from Cashman. Although that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Could be a misquote or plans could change in 4 weeks.
Garcia really isn’t that good though. Very small sample size of success.
I’ll take his small sample size of 2.81 ERA, 1.049 WHIP, 13.1 Ks per 9 innings in 53 games (50 starts) over 3+ seasons. I’ll take that over Abreu, Loaisiga and every other minor league starter the Yankees are trying to sell as stud prospects.
If Stroman does really like it there, why not leave the door open for a reunion in two years? I’ve never understood why more struggling teams don’t sit down with their soon to be FA’s and discuss bringing them back at a later time. It’s benefits both player and team so much. The team gets future players to help build, and the player gets a shot at a championship. He then gets to come back and hopefully play with the guys he was traded for.
I’m sure teams do try to do this, but it just never seems to happen. Chapman is really the only one that I can remember off the top of my head.
Chapman pretty much let it be known he wasn’t happy in Chicago, and that was during his tenure with Joe.
I think Stroman will do just fine anywhere he goes especially if he is in a playoff contender. I remember him in the WBC and in the playoffs for the Blue Jays always wanting the ball. Wouldn’t mind seeing him with an Atlanta Braves A on his hat come August 1st.
I’m sure AA would love to have him.
Gotta love the uneducated few on here that have called Stroman Sonny Gray 2.0, because couldn’t be more different. Stroman has playoff experience, is more fiery than sullen, wants the ball, and is a great postgame interview. The Yanks would be better with him.
I guess giving great postgame soundbites is more important than being a groundball specialist with a short RF porch.
Yankee stadium stats bub
9 Games (all starts) at Yankee Stadium
2-5
41 innings
6.37 ERA
1.683 WHIP
8 homeruns allowed
Stroman’s built for Yankee Stadium.
you do understand that is because he has been facing the Yankees difficult lineup right?
Are we going to assume the A lineup was sent in every game?
Are we going to overlook the fact that the Yankees were near the bottom in hitting in 2014? Midpack in 2015 and bottom side of the AL in 2016? Those were Stroman’s first 3 seasons.
You do know I only took his numbers in Yankee Stadium, right?
You’d hate those numbers from your pitcher. Then again the Yankees aren’t about winning titles anymore so mediocrity will do just fine.
Remember when people thought Brandon Drury was a good return for Happ? That was funny.
I was disappointed by the return but I did see the upside. It doesn’t help that Drury is currently in the midst of his worst big league season. Same with McKinney, he showed pretty good talent in his last couple minor league seasons and his brief debut with Toronto last year. I still think both guys can provide value on that deal, but they’ll have to do it soon. Both could be potential roster casualties if they don’t show anything. And to think, there were talks that Sheffield or Frazier would have to be the return in a Happ deal. That might’ve been some wishful thinking lol.
I can see Frazier at the time but not Sheffield.
I just think if you are rebuilding it’s generally always better to trade for younger guys who are further away from the big leagues instead of getting Drury who at best potential seems like a 24th or 25th man on a roster.
Agreed. And they had to obtain a pitcher in the Happ trade. Pitching was a depth issue a year ago. And two years ago.
There isn’t a contending team that Stroman doesn’t make better. He’s a bright guy (graduated from Duke, for heaven’s sake); he knows which side the avocado toast is buttered.
With the lure of Free Agency approaching, after next year, I’d anticipate a plus performance from him. Granted, that plus performance for him might be a solid #2 starter rather than the #3 he’s been hanging around at, but there’s a high probability he gets to it, especially with the additional lure of pitching in meaningful situations.
Toronto should get a pretty good haul for him. It’s a thin market, and he’s likely the best available.
Why only mention the Yankees? Wouldn’t the Astros like him? The Dodgers? Milwaukee? I think pretty much any team would be interested. But you only mention the Yankees…. Hmmm, wonder why? He’s from New York? Because everyone wants to play for the team closest to their homes, right? Harper was a free agent and he was raised on the west coast… he signed with a team in the east. He had a choice where he’d go… Stroman has no control over where he goes.
They’re in New York right now and it was the Yankees beat who asked him.
I didn’t know Vegas was on the pacific. If you are going to whine do it intelligently.
Oh settle down it’s close enough
Pacific Coast League, maybe?
Houston, Tampa and Atlanta would be the first 3 calls I’d make. But Atkins probably has other plans.
Why not LA?
Because those 3 teams have better minor league farm systems. Also, which LA team? Dodgers would be in my Top 5. Angels I’m not sure what to make of them.
I’d take the Dodgers farm over all of them.
Depends on team needs. Jays need starting pitching and Atlanta has a ton. Jays need a SS and/or CF and they aren’t getting Gavin Lux. Gonsolin and others could be an intriguing package. Again, it’s all about the team needs. Non-Dodger fans might be scared off from Santana or Mitchell White for getting their butts kicked in AAA.
Plus, the last I checked, LA’s farm wasn’t ranked ahead of any of the teams I mentioned. I don’t know how much weight the so-called experts hold but they seem to be a decent barometer to measure from.
Stroman to Houston makes too much sense to not happen.
Stroman believes he’s built for Yankee Stadium.
Stroman does want the ball in big games and embraces the spotlight. He wants to win, and those traits are admirable. Unfortunately he still does not know how to handle adversity. Still immature, still thin-skinned. New York would eat him alive. He should be addressing these issues in therapy, if he is seeing one. He probably should.
For his sake and for Toronto’s, New York would not be the best trade partner. Jays have certain needs the Yankees cannot properly fulfill. Deivi Garcia is a great arm and one of the very few in the Yankees system proving it. Start with him in negotiations and take it from there. Otherwise the Jays need to look elsewhere.
This clown is now a psychoanalyst. Wow.
That clown is often correct. Just sayin.
Angels would be a good fit. Hell if they had any decent starters other than Canning, they would be leading the WC right now.
Stop, just stop with the madness.
troll!
Truth’s a B!
Troll? Lol. The Angels have the worst starting pitching in the majors. Are 4.5 games back, of the wild card. A rookie starting pitcher, is the Angels best starter. So how does me, saying if the Angels had decent starting pitching, make me a troll? It’s called look at the standings. That might help you all out.
Wasn’t replying too you.
Wasn’t reacting to your comment
Stroman will end up in Atlanta for Sorotka
Lol good one. Stroman and Giles might not bring that return
Stroman is a pitcher the Braves need because of what he brings. The Jays do not need to trade Stroman and AA stretches in his trades sometimes.. You have to give up something to get something.. Stroman is not a give away.
Good points. However, Braves will not deal Soroka. No chance.
Allard or Muller probably more appropriate. Add Weigal and if the Jays throw in Giles they could ask for another arm plus Graffanino because he’s the son of an ex-big leaguer :)
The value of Stroman would be higher if he was 6’4″ or taller. But there areother features such as desire to win that a number of other pitchers do not show. He is exciting, emotional and is a great cheerleader when he is not pitching. Club house leader? Not sure but I hope that he does not get traded. Sign him long term.
I hear you on many points DD. The biggest problem with the Stroman situation is management. Because they did not secure an arm in the Happ deal or traded Donaldson two years ago to get Flaherty or Hudson from St Louis. Had they done so, locking up Stroman would be a no-brainer in my opinion. Because the organization has a massive depth issue with their pitching, they really need to deal Stroman for two pitchers and take their chances. It sucks, but I think it’s the best course of action for them.
Stroman for Estevan Florial and one of the
pitching prospects like Deivi Garcia. There is no room for Florial in the crowded outfield. Jays will have to throw in some international slot money as well.
Would rather have Abreu than Florial. Pitching is at desperation levels for the Jays right now.
Lol no way am i giving up Garcia for Stroman. Kid is 20 years old dominating AA
Then forget Stroman. Honestly, the Yankees can’t continue to play bridesmaids if they aren’t prepared to really win. This is why there’s been 1 title win since 2000. If you don’t want to give up Garcia, give up a lesser prospect for Mike Leake and best of luck to you in October.
FYI, I hear St louis is kicking the tires hard for Stroman. I hope and pray Atkins doesn’t blow this like he screwed up the Pillar and Happ deals. The Jays have to hit on pitching prospects.
I beleive Atkins is using the same methodology trading Stroman that he used for Happ. Wait until the last moment possible for the highest offer. Thinking he was getting two stand outs, he held fast for Mckinney and Drury.
As called then, Mckinney is still a 4th outfielder unless he learns to hit the other way. And Drury has a;ll the tools to be very good. Perhaps the neck injury and associated meds have taken their toll.
Put Sanchez in the pen right away.
Move Vlad Jr to 1st base, he is awful at third.
Trade Smoak for a lottery pick.
Cut Derek Law right now. Leave Sean Reid-Foley up here to work with Major League coaches.
Bull Pen Clayton Richard.
Call up kids to fill the holes. Yeeesh.
Cards don’t have the pitching prospects the Jays need. Maybe if they want Giles I can see it for a CF or SS. But Stroman to St Louis? Not a smart play for Toronto.
I hear you, but St Louis is kicking hard.
Reyes
Stroman and Giles to the Cards for Reyes, Martinez and a 5-10 ranked prospect. Who says no now…? I did ask about this months ago…and got shredded. I’m finally ready for more :)
I think the Jayswould be cautious with that deal;. I like Martinez if he is healthy, although the Jays may not take the contract plus he has had a lot of shoulder issues.
Reyes might be a chronic injury case and more problems that what he is worth. Hasn’t really played in two years.
I don’t think so.
guys with potential but injury prone/risks? sounds like the kind of guys Atkins would love for the Jays!
I don’t see that happening now with Hicks out. Martinez is probably their closer. As for Reyes, already injury-prone. Great stuff, but can’t seem to stay on the field.
Another option is to package Stroman and Giles with the guys you said, plus Genesis Cabrera and either a SS or CF in their Top 30. Then the Jays have 3 arms coming back and you hope 2 of them pan out. That leaves Smoak to get healthy and be dealt for either an arm or whichever position wasn’t traded for out of CF and SS.
San Diego could be a great fit as they are loaded with pitching prospects. All depends on if they stay in the wild card hunt.
I have no idea why the Jays don’t try to sign Stroman. I was thinking 5 years. They don’t have a slew of pitchers ready. And he is the face of the franchise. Go 5 years $50 million and see if he bites. I’ll take him over Grichuk any day.
Your last line is 100% spot-on, and the Blue Jays should do everything they can to get rid of Grichuk and that silly contract.
Unfortunately they need to use Stroman to deal for pitching prospects because, as you said, they don’t have pitchers ready. By the time the Jays are ready to contend, Stroman will be 31. Had the Jays dealt for pitching when they had the chance (Donaldson 2017, Happ last year), I’d be starting the Extend Stroman fan club.