The free agent starting pitching market has gotten off to a fast start, but there hasn’t yet been any movement among the top tier of arms. There’s surely robust interest in each of the class’ top starters, particularly given that the market for mid-tier options has already proven quite strong. Some clarity has emerged on the bidding for one of those top hurlers: right-hander Marcus Stroman.
MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes reports (Twitter link) that the Red Sox, Giants, Cubs, Angels and incumbent Mets are among the clubs with interest in Stroman. The Angels were already reported to be suitors, but the other four teams represent newly-known entrants into his market. Jon Morosi of MLB.com, meanwhile, adds the Mariners as another potential suitor for Stroman.
No one in that group is particularly surprising, as each of that quintet has been known to be seeking starting pitching. The Giants, Cubs and Angels have all made one or more notable rotation pickups already, but each reportedly remained in the bidding for Steven Matz even after landing other starters. The Red Sox and Mets were also known Matz suitors, and they’re both facing rotation uncertainty this winter. Boston has already seen Eduardo Rodríguez depart, while the Mets have lost Noah Syndergaard and would need to replace Stroman were he to sign elsewhere.
Stroman’s a sensible target for any team looking to bolster its rotation. The 30-year-old has been a reliable source of above-average innings for essentially the entirety of his career. He’s started 32+ games and exceeded 175 innings in four of the past five full seasons, with his 19 starts and 102 1/3 frames in 2018 the lone exception. (Stroman also opted out of the shortened 2020 campaign). Going back to the start of 2016, he ranks fifteenth in innings pitched, consistently shouldering a heavy workload in spite of his slight frame.
Over the course of his career, Stroman typically hasn’t had an approach geared towards missing many bats. He’s coming off a career-best 11.6% swinging strike rate, though, a mark that’s a hair above the 10.9% league average for starters. Generating an average or better amount of whiffs would be more of an ancillary bonus than anything, as Stroman’s calling cards are plus strike-throwing and plenty of grounders.
The sinkerballer has induced grounders on over half the balls in play against him in each season of his career, routinely surpassing 60% ground-ball rates during his time with the Blue Jays. His 50.8% rate in 2021 was a career-low, but that figure was still eight points above the league mark. That consistency in inducing ground-ball contact has allowed Stroman to remain mostly impervious to longballs, as he’s never allowed even one homer per nine innings in a season during his big league career.
Stroman played out the 2021 campaign with the Mets after accepting the club’s qualifying offer last winter. Players can’t be tagged with a QO more than once in their careers, so Stroman hit the market this winter unencumbered. Signing clubs won’t have to forfeit a draft choice to land the former first-round pick, and the Mets wouldn’t receive any compensation were he to depart.
Between Stroman’s consistently strong track record and the lack of a QO, he profiles as one of the more appealing options in this winter’s class. Stroman doesn’t boast the swing-and-miss stuff of some of this offseason’s other top options, but he’s also proven capable of thriving in spite of below-average strikeout numbers. The Duke University product has posted an ERA under 4.00 in four of his six seasons with 100+ innings pitched, and his 3.02 mark in 2021 was a personal best. Entering the offseason, MLBTR placed Stroman eleventh on the Top 50 free agents, forecasting a five-year, $110MM guarantee.
Stevil
Mariner players are doing their part to lure him to Seattle.
taesamlee
What makes you say this?
jamaicajan
Paul Sewald/ Stro interaction on Twitter
Fever Pitch Guy
Seattle can have him, he brings along too much baggage. Hope the Sox aren’t serious about signing him.
aldocious
Baggage? Why because he’s black and confident? I wasn’t a fan when he came to the mets but he had been nothing but convincing over the years. He’s durable, commuted and is all about positivity. He’s nothing but a team player who has worked within his small frame to be a winner. I’m rooting for him to get all the money he can. Guy is a 180 innings guy year after year. So many haters because he’s active on social media. If you follow him you would no there is no baggage at all. Just positivity and production.
aldocious
*commited
aldocious
*know
Need to proof, oops!
SuperSloth
The same thing has been said for players like Trevor Bauer in the past. Sorry, had to edit to take out the coma and put a period. lol
findingnimmo
Bauer was a known idiot and loud mouth. Maybe not to the current situation but still. Everyone knew he was an idiot. Stroman has done nothing but pitch and be a gamer with the Mets. And I personally would love to see him back.
BEspoMets
I hope the Mets re-sign him. Loved his fire and that he wasn’t afraid of anyone.
When it was a game.
He opted out now everyone thinks he is a cancer. A bit cocky but not over the top.
josebatflip
Agreed! I loved him on the Blue Jays. Remember it wasn’t too long ago that he was pitching ahead of David Price (Price in his prime) in playoff games. Frankly sometimes I like a player who shows his emotions and isn’t a boring robot.
Yankee-4-Lifer 75
I don’t care where Stroman goes, just as long as he stays as far away from the Yankees as possible.
SoxRewl
I don’t know about any baggage, but I do know I don’t want him in Boston. Not with his ground ball rate and our infield defense. Paired with his low K rate and I can see him getting roughed up even keeping it in the yard at Fenway.
the kutch
Bauer is far from an “idiot”….he’s his own guy, there’s quite a difference there….
MrAngelFan
Agreed. The Angels havent had a fierce competitor on the mound since the likes of Jered Weaver.
padam
…nah, he’s an idiot (along with many other titles). He got himself into the situation he’s in and risked losing future dollars, a career, reputation, etc.
joeyrocafella
Lol fine! The Mets will take his 3.00ERA back! If Sox fans don’t want him, the Mets will GLADLY accept him back
joeyrocafella
Calm down about the “black” part…
FredMcGriff for the HOF
aldocious is most likely Marcus Stroman’s MLBTR account. Never seen this person comment and loves them some Stro.
Galdom
I’m from Toronto. Choke artist? No.
Fever Pitch Guy
atdocious – That’s a really ridiculous thing to say. What does “black and confident” have to do with anything? Countless players past and present fall into that category without accumulating the baggage that Stroman has over the years. Have you EVER heard of Mookie or JBJ getting into feuds with teammates, or their team’s front office, or the media? I know they haven’t because they are two of my favorite players and I follow them closely.
I’m not gonna waste even one more minute on this. Here’s one of many articles, this one doesn’t even include the past 3 years. Happy Thanksgiving, hope you can stick to baseball going forward as I do agree his performance has been great and I admire how he has proven that 5’8″ players can succeed in MLB.
theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-the-contradicto…
Fever Pitch Guy
Fred – That’s a fascinating theory that I hadn’t thought of, he certainly does like to maintain an online presence.
deweybelongsinthehall
Lee, just a bit cocky? I’m not alone in believing he’s not worth the greatness in his own mind.
deweybelongsinthehall
You want him? You can keep him (and later regret it). Bauer clearly is headache #1 and I I’m not sure if Stroman doctored the ball. He simply believes and acts like he’s god’s gift to baseball when no one is that good.
johnsilver
Something else I’d like to not see, if he came to Boston is Eckersley is the 1st guy to heap praise on any pitcher who he thinks is doing well and also? 1st to do the opposite towards any who he thinks isn’t giving it their best on the mound, which was why Price took offense at him. It was not racial, but for anyone who has ever watched Eck doing commentary, or listened to him? He says what he thinks when a pitcher isn’t doing what they are getting paid for and Price being Price took offense.
Eck got to the HOF as a starter and closer, WS champ, Cy Young winner. most think Price was way over his head and Eck was spot on in his analysis to begin with.
DogDays2
Welcome to 2021. A fan doesn’t like a player and immediately race is brought up. Amazing.
A “team player” that while his team is collapsing, retweets a highlight several times of a meaningless defensive play he makes after a loss in a game he pitched.
I agree he had a productive year but there is something to be said about a pitcher who always seems to pitch well enough to lose.
He’s 61-60 for his career, you can have him.
andremets
Nothing but steal a year of service time by faking an injury and then claiming to be scared of Covid. Good riddance.
DogDays2
“A winner” = that never wins anything.
Kevin 23
No, because he is a cancer in the clubhouse, loves to run his mouth to the media, and is arguably the most hated player in MLB. He is an insufferable DOUCHEBAG!
TalkSomeSense
Stroman was hardly a choke artist goes to show how many Jays games you watched.
Stroman was outspoken and took to social media more then some liked but the guy was a competitor no one can take that away from him.
As for the rest of your comment- why bring politics into a sports chat?
Stevil
Well, publicly mocking and criticizing the commissioner, then engaging in deplorable behavior that cost him his season–and probably his MLB career–is a far cry from intelligent.
Ted Bundy was ‘his own guy’, too. Bauer being ‘his own guy’ is exactly what got him into the mess he’s in, and more importantly, there is nothing to compare between Bauer’s behavior and Stroman’s.
lemonlyman
The AL Cy Young Award winner is 62-58 in his career, can they have him too?
rondon
Ted Bundy?? If you reached any farther, you’d dislocate somethin’.
bkwalker510
Stroman hates the yankees so i think you’ll be fine
Say Hey Now Kid
The Mets have the same problem but he still found success so I hope he resigns. We’re running out of options here
Wallstreetbets
Agreed, we also had no issues in Toronto with him, the man’s a winner.
aldocious
Typical knuckle dragging response. Noah is as confident as Marcus and he doesn’t get the ‘problem in the locker room’ label. It’s called unconscious bias. Maybe instead of being a keyboard cowboy if you looked at reality our world would be a better place. This has nothing to do with politics. I suppose your limited intellect wouldn’t comprehend that.
aldocious
That would be funny!! But nah
aldocious
Hahaha. ‘Fake news’
mumsy01
He’s a mysogonistic goon.
dock ellis
Some people can keep political leanings out of a talk about baseball. You should try it. Making everything political is douchbaggery.
stewartnbuck
the last thing the Angels need is another Mets flunky pitcher
ayrbhoy
Rondon- Apologies for continuing to take this thread away from what matters, i. e. MLB rumors about Stroman.
I can’t speak for Steve but I interpreted his comment simply to mean there is a gulf ‘from here to the Andromeda Galaxy’ between Stroman’s online behavior and that of Bauer’s disgraceful vulgarities. The clue is in his last sentence.
I mean, can you imagine being the parents of that young woman in the very public Bauer scandal, or worse, being her!?
deweybelongsinthehall
Of course Eck was in the right. Anyone go back and listen to the tapes. He wants pitchers to succeed but speaks his mind. He has warts in his closet but getting honest with himself allowed him to move forward. Some with money in their pocket have false ego/arrogance. The one thing Pedie did that was sad to see on my view was his defense of Price who then wasn’t living up to his contract and was looking for an outlet to attack when he should have turned inward. JDM could have made excuses after 2020 but just did what he had to to have another great season in 21.
slapnuts
It’s hard to proof when you jump right to racist accusations
Cosmo2
Aldocious, Thor gets plenty of flack for his outspokenness. You’re twisting facts to fit your false narrative.
outinleftfield
Because the Yankees infield defense is so bad?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Bauer is a criminal and a jerk, but not an idiot.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
And many conservatives deny that people are ever treated differently due to race.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Sorry that you are offended by a proud person of color.
MatthewLVT17
Literally zero baggage. I hope the Mets retain him.
User 2079935927
I wish the Angels had Bauer.
User 2079935927
He’s accused of it. Nothing has been proved otherwise.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
According to the order, Bauer admitted to punching her repeatedly in the buttocks while she was unconscious.
Dufus magee
Sorry. Anybody that beats women is at least an idiot.
Cosmo2
He’s admitted to the bulk of it. The question is did he break any laws that he can be prosecuted for, but he’s admitted to some pretty reprehensible stuff.
Stevil
Way to miss the point.
PinstripedPride
LOL @aldoclous, you’re seriously going to try to play the race card here? It’s a tired gag, give it a break. You know nobody mentioned his race
jimthegoat
How is Bauer a “criminal?”
FredMcGriff for the HOF
Thanks for making a political comment Manny. Don’t forget to wear you face mask all alone in your vehicle…
cb19
Faking an injury? Marcus Stroman tore his ACL. He was basically ruled out for the season and worked his tail off to get back. He was back pitching by the end of August, which was record recovery time because of all the work he put in and he helped the Blue Jays make the playoffs for the first time 21 years.
Stroman says dumb stuff. He’s emotional and devoid of a filter. When young players are struggling, he’s there to pick his team mates up. He’s not the guy saying get rid of this guy, he’s not good. He’s really not the locker room cancer people make him out to be. His compete level is off the charts. He’s a bit abrasive, but any team with good leadership should welcome him with open arms.
As a Blue Jay fan, I’d welcome him back, but some of his dumb comments were directed to our management. His comments were out of line and he’s not coming back to us.
AllinTX
Funny after he said he isn’t going to the Yankees
axisofhonor25
I think people mistaken his outspoken as his “baggage.” I remember as a member of the Blue Jays, this guy regular interacted with fans and was well integrated with the community. I think any team would be lucky to have him based on his leadership alone.
rondon
ayrbhoy… I couldn’t resist. But point taken.
Cosmo2
Stroman has been a bit of a “loudmouth”. No doubt. He’s a man of his generation, very vocal with the media. Some folks don’t like that. Personally I think he’s fine, he’s just overly expressive that’s all. And the folks that bring race into it in order to defend him are being ridiculous. It has nothing to do with race.
Benjamin560
Paul Sewald has been recruiting him on Twitter.
twitter.com/ItsPaulSewald/status/14636091270708838…
MrAngelFan
Stro go be a Halo fo sho
andremets
Sewald is still in the majors????
jamaicajan
He was one of the best relievers in baseball last year. The Mariners saw something in him and turned him into quite the bullpen arm.
ayrbhoy
Andremets- that’s a good one. I’m sure you’re well aware of Sewald’s transformation. The clue is in the 4 question marks! Having a good sense of humor is more important now than ever, haha.
You know fine well he had MLB’s 3rd highest (39.4) strikeout % in 2021. It was all over MLB TV, ESPN and written print. Striking out 104 batters in 62 appearances, good for 1.4 fWAR. He didn’t make his debut for the M’s until May 16. Yep, you know if he had a full season he would’ve eclipsed Liam Hendriks MLB leading 113 K/outs.
The M’s boffins in the analytics dept helped numerous RP’s reach their potential last year. They are on record saying “it’s like they had the cheat codes to my skill-set.” I’m paraphrasing there but the point is Sewald is one of multiple success stories in 2021- Casey Sadler and Steckenrider in particular.
The Mets "Missed WAR"
It sounds to me like the Red Sox and Giants are front runners if Stroman has an eye on competing. It wouldn’t surprise me if Stroman lacked the pride to join a serious contender and just went mercenary style and took the biggest contract though… and then plays it off as it is all about pride in the size of his contract like Pujols did when he went to the Angels. Is it just me or should players be more proud about wanting to win than wanting to sign for the biggest payday?
I think Stro’s days in both Toronto and Queens are over unless Uncle Steve panics and pays him more than anyone else would. The fact Stroman opted out when the Mets were planning to compete and then stayed for a 1 year $18.9 million payday for a pillow contract which also happened to knock out his QO at the same time showed to me he cares more about himself than the Mets. Maybe any other team as well. I know the folks in Toronto aren’t very fond of him even though he out up solid numbers there so something must be amiss. Hard to blame h though. It’s a dog eat dog world and he’s good at what he does.
I thought St. Louis would have been a good match for him. That infield defense and his groundball style pitching matched perfectly. They don’t seem to have room after paying less to get Matz though.
Maybe the Braves would be a good match for his style of pitching. Swanson, Albies and Riley play really good infield defense and if Freddie comes back that only helps more. I don’t see him as a personality fit or payroll fit for the Braves so it’s hard to figure out.
I have a guess. Marcus Stroman will sign for whoever offers at least $1 more. I hope he doesn’t. I hope he puts more thought into it than that. I hope he thinks about the fact he is a groundball pitcher and decides to go to a good team with a great infield defense. That way he can still make a lot of money but he has a better chance of winning championships and contending for Cy Young awards.
On a side note, I talked to a guy who was one of those white boy rappers who claimed he was best friends with Marcus Stroman. He said they played college baseball together. Naturally I thought he was full of it. He had the dumbest name on the planet. His name was “Mike Stud.” Then the guy proceeded to show me he was being honest. He showed me he played in college with him. He showed me a ton of videos on his phone hanging out with Stroman. The saddest thing was that in all the home videos he showed me this “Mike Stud” guy actually appears to be more grounded than Stroman. All they were talking about was getting money and girls and how great they thought they were and dumb crap like that. These videos weren’t that old. Maybe before Stroman became a Met but well after he was an MLB player. That’s not the reason I think Stroman will probably become a mercenary. The reputation he has with his past teams is really what makes me think that.
This Mike Stud guy thought of himself as the coolest person on the planet though even though he had no fans supporting him. Literally the only person he thought was cooler was Stroman himself. If Mike Stud is cool and Marcus Stroman is the only one cooler than the word cool must now mean terrible lame person. I can’t tell you how arrogant, lame, boring and cliche this guy was. I didn’t believe him for a second. I thought he was lying. Why would an MLB player ever want to be around a loser like this? Then he proved it to me. They really are best friends.
I don’t think Stroman plays on any team. I think some team gives him a paycheck while he and people like Mike Stud just play on team Stroman all day. That guy cares way too much about his social life, night life and having fun showing off his paychecks to really even have time to put winning for fans first. Money is a tool. It’s not a status symbol. There’s nothing wrong with making money. But you make your money. Your money doesn’t make you. It’s really immature and lame to get those things reversed. I’ll take the guy who gives his money to charity and keeps a low profile over a guy who goes on rap videos bragging about his money any day.
FredMcGriff for the HOF
@missedwar. Braves don’t need the narccist. They don’t need a guy who’s 5’8” and has “height doesn’t matter” tattoed on his body (when it obviously does to him if he had it put there!). Just give me Freddie Freeman bring back Duvall and a few others that are affordable. Starting pitching for the Braves is fine if they felt the need to add someone bring back Smyly on they cheap then that head case.
Prospectnvstr
Missedwar: I think Stroman “fits” w any & all contenders including up and coming one’s. I’m 95% sure it won’t happen but I’d love to see his competitiveness on the Braves. I don’t think he’ll sign w either one but he’d strengthen the rotations of the Mariners or the Marlins from borderline contenders to strong contenders. If he signed w the Marlins, they’d definitely use some of their minor league pitching depth to bring in a couple of solid bats.
carllafong
He ain’t going to Seattle. Why would Stroman choose all the extra travel and lack of recognition that comes with being in Seattle when he can play in southern California in a big market for the Angels, or for the Giants, or even stay with the Mets? I don’t see it happening– especially when Seattle will not be able to offer more money.
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
Please explain how Seattle won’t be able to offer more money? Casual fan.
carllafong
They won’t offer more money because they aren’t a big market club. They don’t have the same TV revenue, ticket revenue, merchandising revenue of the other franchises. Moreno is the wealthiest man in the state of Arizona, has a huge TV deal, and a big new stadium deal. The money means nothing. The Mets owner is the wealthiest owner in the sport, and more than likely makes Stroman an offer he can’t refuse– especially since Stroman is from New York and loves the Mets. The Giants and Red Sox are two more uber wealthy franchises with deep pockets. Then you add-on all the extra travel there is for the Seattle team, and the lack of press– it’s not an enticing place for a guy who seeks the spotlight.
jaysfansince1977
Stro loves the Mets??? When he was traded there by the Jays he was extremely upset as he was a Yankees fan and stated multiple times he wanted to be a Yankee! He is a club house cancer, do people forget his feuds with team mates like Sanchez and Grichuk and others?
DogDays2
With all due respect, you’re incorrect. The Mariners aren’t big money enough for Correa, Seager—- but they have enough money for Stroman.
Stevil
Yeah, you might want to do a little more research on Mariner revenue sources.
In short, they own ROOT Sports NW, and as Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times has pointed out, they’re making money off of the Trailblazers and Kraken (and everything else non-Mariner that they broadcast) in addition to the Mariners.
With roughly just 50 million in committed salary, arb-eligible salaries, pre-arb salaries, and dead money combined, they absolutely have financial flexibility. Then there’s the status of the team and organization on the rise and loaded with as much young talent as money to spend.
And about the spotlight…even if the ‘spotlight’ was something of importance, don’t you think leading a team to the postseason after a 20-year drought would be a headline-maker?
Seattle’s as attractive as anyplace for a player who puts having fun winning first and there’s zero reason to think Stroman doesn’t do exactly that.
carllafong
Do you know anything about the guy, or you just want him on your team so facts don’t matter? He grew up In New York and actually played with Matz as kids. He lives in new York and his whole family is there. Yes, he loves the Mets– that was always his favorite team. I’m sure he has no problem leaving for the right money, but if Cohen really wants him good luck outbidding the richest man in the sport, and among the wealthiest in the country.
AlienBob
Absolutely. Because we are isolated up here in Southeast Alaska Root Sports is the only RSN in five states. They have a monopoly on MLB, NHL, NBA and most NCAA sports broadcasting. The Mariners fill a lot of hours. If they break even on the team that is probably good enough. Whether you like sports or not their regional sports fee is included in your cable bill and none of it is included in the Mariners revenues.
User 2079935927
They only own 60 % of ROOT
Stevil
Did I say or suggest staying with the Mets wasn’t a possibility?
The point of my rebuttal was to educate you on Seattle.
You’re welcome.
charlesk
No, you’re just repeating the false Shatkins’ narrative on Stroman. His teammates love him. Randal Grichuk? Seriously? Don’t you find it strange that the Jays wouldn’t be going after a guy with a higher EPS+ of 116 than both Robbie Ray (113) and Kevin Gausman (108) since 2016 with similar innings pitched as per Jon Morosi? They’re supposedly “checking in” on ever FA starter *except* Marcus Stroman. Why? Because they don’t like players that have an opinion and are vocal about their burning desire to win. See Donaldson, EE, etc. It gets in the way of their ginormous egos given they haven’t won a single playoff game since 2016, when the top ten players by WAR (including Stroman, EE and Donaldson) were acquired by AA and LaCava and led the team Shatkins inherited to the ALCS that year. Your “clubhouse cancer” narrative has been repeatedly discredited, yet you keep chanting it like mantra because you can’t talk about all of the playoff success under Shatkins. Because there is none.
charlesk
That’s just outright false. He is not a clubhouse cancer. Grichuk is the cancer.
twitter.com/keeganmatheson/status/1152415195580575…
bigdaddyhacks
I’m sure he’d love to go to Anaheim, the west coast Mets.
User 2079935927
You can have your Cano. Don’t Ya Know in your Rat Infested City
findingnimmo
What does this have to do with stroman?
carllafong
If he likes rain he’ll head right up to Seattle. I’m sure there are a lot of grocery store openings and local car dealers he can do commercials for rather than seek the spotlight in Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. And BTW… do Seattle fans ever recognize it’s been 20 years since they sniffed the playoffs? I know it’s been seven years for the Angels, but that’s a far cry from 20.
Stevil
Yeah, spring and summer are absolutely miserable in Seattle.
Do Angels fans realize that they have a 2-year window to do something with Ohtani before they lose him–possibly to Seattle?
Halo11Fan
Ohtani already turned down Seattle and every other AL team. If they lose him, it will likely be to an NL west team.
carllafong
Seattle has the highest suicide rate in the country for a reason. Seattle has exactly three good months of weather and the rest of the year it drizzles. It’s a tiny suburban town with zero culture. But maybe Stroman loves trees, rain, and coffee. Maybe he longs to spend hours at the fish market? It’s hours of fun standing in your front yard pointing to Canada and then turning and pointing to Alaska.
Gk_holiday
@carllafong You’re a ding-dong dude hahahaha!!! Seattle is one of the greatest cities in America. Plenty of Native American, Hispanic and Asian Culture around here. Our culture is well and alive my friend… Arts, Music, Food, Coffee, Tech, History, Culture, and the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer…. Also what’s wrong with Canada and Alaska. I mean it’s not Beverly Hills, but not all of us are that superficial.
AlienBob
@carllafong The drizzle doesn’t start until November and by then the baseball season is over. He can get cheap airfares to Hawaii or Vegas from here for his winter vacation.
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
BabyBoyBlueDiamond
Seattle has around $40 million on the books and are opening the wallet this year as they’re ready to be big players this off season. They’ve also had no problem in the past being spenders.
carllafong
Do players have to want to go there, or you just summon them to play and they show up? And when you say open the wallet– what does that look like? How much?
Gk_holiday
@carllafong Seattle can easily add 100 mil + this off-season in acquisitions. They are sitting at about 45 mil on the books for next year… When they had Cano and Cruz they regularly fielded a payroll around 150 mil per year.
There has been some chatter around the league about the intrigue of playing in Seattle. Seattle has long been a favorite destination for visiting players during the season. They have an exciting young core, and more to come with arguably the best farm in baseball and the #2 ranked prospect knocking on the door. Scott Servais is one of the best managers in the American League and was fantastic in building team chemistry and piecing together one of the best bullpens in baseball last year. Did you see how devastated Kendall Graveman was when he was traded to Houston? He genuinely loved Seattle and that team so much it brought him to tears.
SodoMojo90
They can afford whoever they want
carllafong
You sound very confident about a team that has managed to get it wrong for 20-years.
Gk_holiday
Some people don’t mind constantly being in the national spotlight… also Seattle might have the most money of any team to spend this off-season.
Stevil
Here’s a little something from the player himself that you seem to know so well, Carl. He posted this about 5 hours ago….
Marcus Stroman
@STR0
Replying to
@jp_crawford
I agree with the both of y’all. I’m open. For real! I guess we’ll see if your front office is on the same page. Happy Thanksgiving to both of y’all and your families. Sending you all the blessings!
deweybelongsinthehall
The Mariners can have him. He’s simply not as good as he thinks he is and outside of Thor, will be the biggest regret from whomever inks him. Might even be the biggest when both the AAV and years are factored in. If the bang for the buck you’re looking for, sometimes it’s best to simply do nothing.
BabyBoyBlueDiamond
Simply do nothing? In regards to what other option though? One who’d be in the position to sign him simply just doesn’t “do nothing”. Except hope and pray the unproven farm system produces someone as durable as Stroman. And if that’s the case, according to you, no one should pick up any of these arms that are his level and below.
Don’t see your strategy getting you a job in baseball anytime soon, to be honest.
deweybelongsinthehall
A team is built and sometimes money wasted today should have been saved for later in the season or for the following season. You need to forecast properly in today’s game Shiatsu. Running a team like a foster home for misfit dogs is not the way to do it. As a person who has rescued close to forty schnauzers (with my wife), there is nothing like the feeling of getting it right, teaching and training and even saving a beautiful soul. Sometimes though we had to say no when we believed the stray needed more than we could then offer. The group then found a place that was better for all. In Stroman’s case, I just believe it’s best to pass and let someone else try to nurture the talent out of him.
bigjonempire
Stroma doesn’t need to be nurtured or coddled and babied and hasn’t asked for anything of the sort. He is already an excellent starting pitcher who has proven durable in an age of fragility. He speaks his mind. So many people object to a black man doing that.
deweybelongsinthehall
Please stop putting race where it doesn’t belong. my view is simple in that I don’t believe he’s as good as he thinks he is or is being paid. Where does this race garbage come from? He could be pink with yellow polka dots and I’d be saying the same thing .
PitcherMeRolling
Just put the ball on the rubber and hope it throws itself for a strike?
CalcetinesBlancos
Thor signed a one year deal. Not much to regret no matter what happens.
deweybelongsinthehall
He’s a unique arm but his talent hasn’t been seen in years. My thinking is the odds are not good that he lives up to it for a full 2022 and could that money have been used to sign two or more for next season? Personally, the Matz deal is more my liking.
josebatflip
What are you talking about Dewey?! Stroman has never had a bad year. I’m sure no one will regret signing him.
deweybelongsinthehall
He’s never in my view lived up to his own hype and just seems to be more concerned with his own greatness than anything else. I just don’t see him as a long term big time pitcher. One who’s worth the investment.
AgeeHarrelsonJones
I often appreciate your takes Dewey, and agree with you most of the time. Having watched Stroman pitch AND field, I’d like to see him back on the Mets. I dont pay attention to social nedia or athletes expressions of braggadoccio or self-aggrandizement. This guy can play, and Id like to see him back w the Mets
deweybelongsinthehall
At what cost? I started my threads here as a Sox fan. He’s just in my view not worth the salary tax implications, draft compensation, etc. To the Mets, it might be different especially if they want to make a statement to their fan base. I also am not a fan of the self expressions that take place in all sports. Exception being end of game and big moments situations. I just see a selfish player and NEVER wanted Stroman as a Sox.
AgeeHarrelsonJones
Got it. As a Met fan, I am seriously concerned about Starting Pitching. So after watching Harvey’s repeted meltdowns, and then seeing Wheeler leave, and now Noah, I think the Mets need to go after Stroman. I ignore the BS showmanship- its a societal cancer, not just athletes – and keep my eyes glued on the field and stats websites. And btw – Dewey had an awesome arm was one of the best fielders and he should be in the hall
charlesk
@MLB FA comparison (ERA+) since 2016:
Marcus Stroman — 116 in 870-2/3 IP
Robbie Ray — 113 in 879-1/3 IP
Kevin Gausman — 108 in 904 IP
Stroman, Ray, and Gausman are all 30 years old.
@MLBNetwork @MLBStats
mets7300
Lol….
He won’t GO TO THAT DUMP
DogDays2
What dump? Queens?
Deadguy
Idk how the Cardinals are not in on Stroman with his 57% career ground ball rate?
If it was a no Brainer to frustrate Steve Cohen by signing Steven Matz, it should also be a no brainer to frustrates him again by signing another NY native away from there negotiation table, especially with the all world ground ball defense in St Louis
Stroman belongs in STL
jyosuckas
Oooooo so riveting, people making remarks on Twitter so it must be news
dugmet
After getting burned by Marz’s agent, Cohen will play a strong hand for Stro.
stewartnbuck
5’7 180 LBS clearly not overpowering. i curl more then this guy weighs
User 2079935927
Source?
oldmansteve
In other news, water is still wet
tstats
If you don’t like that they are updating about what’s happening DONT read it
oldmansteve
If you dont like my comment joking about it DONT reply
tstats
Sorry then didn’t realize it was a joke, further the dont was an auto cap not on purpose
Curly Was The Smart Stooge
Tstats, DONT feel you need to apologize to these entitled cretins.
You are an established poster on this site —–respect due
Dogham
Actually water is not itself wet, but can make other solid materials wet.
Wetness is the ability of a liquid to adhere to the surface of a solid, so when we say that something is wet, we mean that the liquid is sticking to the surface of a material. Other than that……..#SeaUsRise
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
I’m going to have to disagree. That’s almost like saying the sticky part of a sticker isn’t sticky
giantsphan12
@Pete, the sticky part of a sticker isn’t sticky. It’s the ability of said substance to adhere to another object that gives it the illusion of being sticky. If you have Vaseline on your finger, is a sticker still sticky? Not if it won’t adhere!
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
The Vaseline takes that away. It’s like one of Newton’s laws. Something like an object in motion will stay in motion until acted on by another force. The sticker is sticky until you lather it in vaseline
giantsphan12
@Dog, thank you. You totally made me crack up. I buy your analysis as well.
deweybelongsinthehall
For most of us non-MIT or UC Berkeley guys, water is wet and when another object becomes what, it can be from water.
deweybelongsinthehall
For most of us non-MIT or UC Berkeley guys, water is wet and when another object becomes wet, it can be from water.
Echo6
Water isn’t wet.
downsr30
Stroman doesn’t make a ton of sense for the Cubs. Seems like they are doing their due diligence on all starters, but Stroman makes little to no sense with where they are as a team, with infield defense not being a strength right now, and Stroman’s competitive nature.
The Cubs make a lot of sense for any pitcher willing to sign a 1-2 year deal that they could flip at the deadline if things aren’t going well.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I am a Cubs fan. I think Stroman is great. But I completely agree not a good fit. Cubs are rebuilding. No need for them to spend 85-115 million on a starting pitcher.
cars
Why would Stroman want to sign with the Cubs, a team 2 to 3 years from competing?
padam
Something to do with a big contract I’d assume.
carllafong
Stroman is either going to the Angels, Giants or Mets.
VonPurpleHayes
Or one of the 27 other teams.
Halo11Fan
He’s not going to the Yankees. He’s not going to a team who won’t pay him. That leaves about ten teams.
Ducky Buckin Fent
D’accord, @Halo11.
I was actually pretty surprised to hear Cash made such a big offer for Verlander. I know it’s weird, but our pitching (both rotation & pen) is in pretty good shape heading into ’22. Cash’s efforts there over the past year have mostly worked out.
I think he will add a starter. But that has more to do with the fact Taillon won’t be ready for opening day than any kind of abject need. I don’t think it’ll be a very sexy acquisition, either. & – quite frankly – a big name addition would be swell & all but isn’t necessary.
User 2079935927
Pittsburgh?????? Pittsburgh??
Mickey777
Ducky,
I agree with your assessment of the starting pitching staff based on last year’s results. However, I wonder if Nestor Cortez, and the bullpen will be as good as last year. Bigger holes to fill in the starting lineup but would love to have another starter.
Ducky Buckin Fent
“You can never have too much pitching” isn’t just a cliche, @Mick. It is a truism, uh?
Cole is Cole. Montgomery, German, & Taillon all have shown to be above average staters & are a nice backbone of a lot of MLB staffs. Cortez…well, that certainly may be all smoke & mirrors. But his style is essentially smoke & mirrors, so I don’t really know what we have there?
Got some young kids down on the farm, too.
I am particularly excited about Schmidt. I think he’s going to be pretty good. & we still have Sevy. (Side note: wow, did he ever fill out when he was rehabbing. Kid’s jacked now.)
I think Taillon’s ankle threw a bit of a wrench into Cash’s offseason plan though. Like I posted, I think Cash will do a little something with the rotation.
But I don’t think it’ll be all that significant. Probably sift through the leftovers in February. Which – although perhaps unpopular in Yankee Nation – I feel is completely defensible. But seeing how he did offer a pretty high AAV to Verlander I could very well be completely wrong.
Which certainly would not be a first.
slimmycito
Cole isn’t that great after sticky stuff crackdown. I’ve seen him get knocked around a bunch of times since then. Montgomery, German, Taillon, all average.
carllafong
Wow, quite a prognostication. You mean he’ll be playing somewhere in the big leagues? Can you narrow it down?
Ducky Buckin Fent
“I’ve seen him get knocked around a bunch of times…” Every pitcher ever gets knocked out of a game sometime, bro.
& so…what then? He was the AL Cy Young runner up due to…handsomeness or something?
That is not how that works.
Gerrit Cole is a true ace. The End.
Jordan Montgomery: 2021 ERA+ 112, 3.4 WAR
Domingo German: 2021 ERA+ 110, 1.3 WAR
Jameson Taillon: 2021 ERA+ 106, 2.2 WAR
An ERA+ of 100 = “average”. Fyi.
I will stick with my assertions. Sure they’re not all hot-takey like yours is, but some easy to understand numbers are a pretty good argument nonetheless.
ChiSox_Fan
Or going to White Sox!
downsr30
If I’m the Cubs I’d make these moves and if not in contention at the deadline, flip anyone and everyone for prospects. If contending, add some short-term rentals to make the fans happy.
Rotation
Kyle Hendricks
(Johnny Cueto)
(Michael Pineda)
Wade Miley
Albert Alzolay
Bullpen
Rowan Wick
Codi Heuer
(Daniel Hudson)
(Colin McHugh)
(Corey Knebel)
Starting Positions
C – Contreras
1B – Schwindel/Wisdom
2B – Madrigal
SS – Hoerner
3B – (Eduardo Escobar)
LF – (Michael Conforto)
CF – (Leury Garcia)/Ian Happ
RF – Heyward
tstats
The issue with this is that conforto costs a draft pick so maybe someone like Canha
User 2079935927
Cueto? are you serious? He get lit up faster than a joint in a Cheech and Chong Movie
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I am a Cubs fan.
I like your approach, but I think signing Cueto and Confortoo is whack-a-doodles.
(Unless Cueto is one year at 45 million or less and Conforto is one year at $12 million or less. Plus Conforto costs you a draft pick! I do not know if there will be any market for Cueto and some poor soul will offer Conforto a multi-year contract with an AAV above $12 million.)
MLB Top 100 Commenter
45 million should read 4-5
iml12
If I am the cubs I go after Greinke and Rodon on short term deals and start throwing darts at bounce back relief pitching candidates.
mkeyankee
Brewers fan…cubs signing Knebel would be a great move. I really like that idea. His velocity and curve ball look great. Health is always a concern with him but no question he has closer stuff and pedigree. Could see him as an all-star closing for the cubs (painful for me to say) and a valuable trade chip at the break.
Curveball1984
Finally a Cubs fan with sense. Smart moves that if they pay off, they could be division contenders. If they don’t no harm, they’re all short-term deals anyways.
icantstandyous
Lol if he signs with Angels will take all his toys and run away. Bahahahaha Mets biggest joke going in sports
icantstandyous
^^^Cohen^^^^ will do that
Cosmo2
Fans obsession with exaggerating the Mets issues is getting really childish
MLB Top 100 Commenter
It is the off-season, let them have their jokes. The Mets FO really is messed up, but once the season starts people will move on.
meckert
Too much time on their hands.
aloop
Then maybe the Mets should be better at not inviting these comments?
Though, I guess they are improving, I mean, it’s not like their owner made petulant comments after not getting a callback from an agent. Oh wait… he did.
Cosmo2
Right, Cohen said something dumb on Twitter so therefore you HAVE TO obsessively respond with asinine exaggerations. Ok.
DoritosLocosTaco
Cohen is that you? Didn’t realize this was such a touchy subject. It’s okay to joke around a little.
JAMES JACOBSEN
Do you think this one will get away from Cohen like Matz.
tstats
Yes
redsox for_life
No more the 3 years! Like 3/48…. Boston
Dorothy_Mantooth
Hate to say it but Stroman is getting a $80M+ contract from someone.
thickiedon
Wouldn’t doubt it if it’s over$100MM
neurogame
I just hope he doesn’t go to the Mets. Too much money tied up in Lindor, they’ve already lost Thor, their offense is subpar, they still have $48M tied up in Cano…. I feel bad for DeGrom’s wasted prime years there. Alonso needs to get out if he can.
marcfrombrooklyn
Classy! Fan of backwater team or the Evil Empire?
neurogame
Yankee fan? Definitely not. Love the Astro-show. Wish he would go to a team with a better shot at the playoffs.
coldbeer
I love how Toronto is not rumoured to be after Stro. He would fill a need for sure but his ego would be too detrimental to the clubhouse.
My guess he signs with the Yankees for a smaller term or aav than we all think.
Joe says...
He ain’t signing with the Yankees. He’s still upset with Cashman about some remarks he made while Stroman was still in Toronto.
coldbeer
Dude this guy is in love with the pin stripes and NYC. Not sure where you get your info but it’s probably a “new York thing” aka total bs lol
Joe says...
I got my info from Stroman himself. A quick Google search will show you what I’m talking about.
Jean Matrac
Joe:
Totally agree. Maybe if Cashman offers way, way more than anyone else then maybe Stroman becomes a Yankee, but like you, I’m supremely doubtful.
Cosmo2
I definitely remember reading an article where Stro said he didn’t want to play for the Yankees. Maybe research a bit before you imply that someone is lying.
Ducky Buckin Fent
Too many coldbeers?
Lots of pretty ugly press in re Stroman & the Yanks, @Joe. Like you, I figured that was common knowledge. I guess some of us drink more & read less.
Obligatory: not that there’s anything wrong with that.
30 Parks
Stroman is all about Stroman. I hope the Sox look elsewhere.
coolhandneil
He’s not cutting his hair so he’s not signing with the Yankees.
Dustyslambchops23
Stro was fine in the clubhouse, his teammates liked him, and he is a fierce competitor. I get that he’s lippy and opinionated but I never got the stro hate, he was an underdog who worked hard at his craft and loved being here. Not only that, him coming back early from tearing his ACL for the playoffs was such an amazing moment.
Jays are not looking at stroman because he’s a mid rotation starter and they have a bunch of those already. They either need a guy to lead the rotation or they need cheap innings eaters, Stroman is not an ace but he’s also not going to be cheap. You’re better off with over spending on Ray and letting Pearson, hatch, Stripling duke it out for innings
charlesk
They loved him in the clubhouse in Toronto – gives you a chance to win every five days. Unfortunately his ego and outspokenness is too much for the front office and Mark Shapiro, who has an even bigger ego.
User 2079935927
Anaheim will be his next destination. He’s already got a JWA tag on his suitcase..Who wouldn’t want play alongsideFletch,Ohtani, Trout,Rendon and Walsh Living in Newport Beach…….
PM- Arte, He wants to play for the Angels.
Arte- Sign the Mother F’r
PM- You Got it. (Transcript provided by TMZ)
bigdaddyhacks
You miss the win 75 games part.
User 2079935927
They will have 75 by mid August.
Vlad Jr’s McGangbang
But who wouldn’t want to play with David Fletcher?
PutPeteinthehall
And Joe will burn him out by end of May. Neither Maddon or Stroman will have a uniform on by September.
Geno55
6 man rotation if he joins the Angels How do you figure the Angels Burning him out
Halo11Fan
As an Angel fan, this is the guy I want.
User 2079935927
Hallo11Fan-I’m a Angels fan and I approve that message.
flyingblindsquirrel
FinkleSteinSh*tkid-I’m a Mets fan and I can spell ‘Halo’
User 2079935927
That’s about the ONLY thing a Mets fan can do.
solaris602
I agree in that, unlike countless signings in recent years, he doesn’t come with a laundry bag full of red flags and question marks. The guy is a solid competitor, stays healthy, eats innings, takes the ball every 5 days, and gives his club a chance to win every time out. He’s worth 5/110M to the Angels. Lock him up.
TradeAcuna
Soon enough the Mets will have only one ego left on the roster (Lindor), assuming Stroman and Baez are gone.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Players with egos can be worth having. Tatis Jr. has a huge ego and he will make the team better. Lindor is worth having they just paid him $100 million more than he was worth. Baez is an asset but maybe only at four years and 60 million. He has a talent for making the impossible play but not always the routine one. He has power and style but enough strikeouts to undermine his brilliance. Stroman is worth a five year contract. I see him going to Mets or Giants.
Buffering...
I sure hope he doesn’t end up as a Giant. You can get Rodon on a year or 1+1 pillow for that type of AAV, I’d definitely prefer Rodon+Greinke or some combo of Cobb, Gray, Kluber, Duffy types that you can get 2 of for the price of those in the 20-25ish AAV range. Then hope that you squeeze out another Gausman (I appreciate what he’s done, but 6 years is too long, 130M+ is too much), but if not, you have some reliable depth where none of them have to do anything beyond contribute 130ish solid innings with Webb and Desclafani picking up the top 2 spots and money left for either Story 2B pillow or Castellanos, Schwarber, Marte, etc. I’m hoping they get the best possible combination of 2SP, UT, OF(x2 maybe CF+1) as they possibly can, and avoid terribly long deals. Plenty of cash to spend but wouldn’t like to see it tied up for years again. Also want to see them back up closer to 200M, SFG should be in the mix every year. Payroll should be constructed to have flexible trade and off-season room any year it’s needed. Just hoping that now we’ll get to see Farhan flex on his ability to do that.
Sorry, TL;DR…I’m a Giants fan and am saying I would like a perfect off-season. No biggie. Have a nice day.
metfan4ever
Why would Rondon take a 1+1. Why,he’s they youngest of the group, and LAA fans, if you signed a guy who has 2 innings in 2 years, also 2 runs, $22 mil, what do you think Stro w/29+ starts a year for his career is going to start at. Looking @ $35 a yr on a short term.
zimerust
Your idea is just terrible. Giants could definitely use him.
deweybelongsinthehall
When teams win, some things are worked through. A team with Lindor, Baez and Stroman signed long term is like having dynamite in one pocket and the igniting source in the other. Wait until the losing happens. Last year two of the three were playing in September for their next contract. That won’t be the case this September.
TradeAcuna
Baez already showed his cards by igniting controversy with the thumbs-down sign. Funny, a new guy comes in and already acts like he is some big shot in NY. As you said rightfully, he was playing for a contract. Once he signs, whoever signs him is up for disaster. Thankfully, the Braves are not looking for a SS or 2nd baseman.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Red Sox, please don’t sign this head case.
Cosmo2
He’s really not a head case.
Mario93
Agree Cosmo he’s not a head case at all imo either just a real competitor in a sport where guys have the personality of golfers.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1MYxNmLelvZJw?ref_src=tws…
If you have an open mind, here is Stroman at a press conference. The head case and ego complaints sound like dog-whistle tropes to me. Low strikeout rate keeps him from being elite, but he is very, very solid.
LaBalaDePlata
Dog-whistle. Tropes.
What, couldn’t fit in Phobic? Hate speech? White Supremacy?
DogDays2
Take your bs phony racism back to MSNBC.
Apparently, if a fan doesn’t want to spend 100 mill on a
. 500 pitcher, hes racist now…
MLB Top 100 Commenter
We have a bias when, rather than being neutral, we have a preference for (or aversion to) a person or group of people. Thus, we use the term “implicit bias” to describe when we have attitudes towards people or associate stereotypes with them without our conscious knowledge.
When bloggers are ok with racists like Josh Hader and homophobes like Noah Syndergaard joining their favorite teams, but are upset by a proud person of color like Stroman, it tells you a lot.
I have no problem with the bloggers who question his strikeout rate, ability to go through the lineup a third time or even opting out during the pandemic. But the ones who are focused on his “personality” yep they seem biased or sometimes even racist.
LaBalaDePlata
You’re fishin’ dude. Hader is a racist? Because of a tweet in high school?
I don’t want Stroman on my team, nor do I want Baez. Not because of their race, but because I don’t think they are front line guys for winning teams. Nor worth the money they’ll receive.
Cosmo2
I’ve no problem with Stroman but I do have an issue with the constant, flippant accusations of racism constantly being thrown about without any actual evidence. It really does a lot of harm. It’s inflammatory and slanderous and only serves to unnecessarily divide people and serves to dilute the term.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
I never intended my comment to be racist… how has it become that way?
FredMcGriff for the HOF
@pwn. It wasn’t. Just someone screaming racism like usual.
stevecohenMVP
Wherever he goes, he’s getting 6/120. He will use Mets to drive up price. Or maybe not. Who knows. He may come back for an overpay
chalk73
Come on Perry…
angt222
After the Angels signed Thor, I see Stroman going to Seattle now.
carllafong
Why would he go to Seattle when he has options with the Angels, Giants, Red Sox, Mets and possibly the Yankees? Seattle cannot outbid these other bigger markets and Stroman’s ego is not going to allow him to be banished to the pacific Northwest– as good as your coffee is.
Halo11Fan
Sure Seattle can. They paid for Cano. They can go big.
I wouldn’t rule too many teams out.
User 2079935927
Oooooh 1 player makes The M’s a “Player” The M’s will have to overpay to get him.
Halo11Fan
One player means they can and have and have and are willing.
It would not surprise me in the least if the Ms go big on a player.
metfan4ever
Halo11fan, no Seattle traded Cano, so they didn’t payoff a big contract, they didn’t for Jr, A-Roid, so Stro not on their radar.
carllafong
You believe that Stroman the hot dog, the attention seeker, a man from New York who loves playing for the Mets, and who will be offered the same major money from major markets like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco that will enable him to make even more ancillary dollars– will choose the obscurity of Seattle to play with Mitch Haniger over Trout , Ohtani and Rendon, or the winning of the Giants, or choose to stay home in the media capital of NY where he lives and was raised? I don’t.
bigdaddyhacks
Mitch haniger was 98% of ohtanis production at the plate this year. and unless the other 8 dudes in the line up can pitch Anaheim is locked and loaded for another losing season. The mariners best players aren’t even up yet and they have over a 100mil to spend. Get a grip dude.
BabyBoyBlueDiamond
They absolutely can. Not too long ago they had a salary in the upper third of the league. They’ve kept their payroll down to rebuild their farm system, which is 2nd in baseball now, and they have around $100 million to spend and still have a decent payroll budget.
carllafong
They can offer whatever they want, but the player has to want to go to that region– right?
Gk_holiday
Seattle might have more money available to spend this off-season than any other team.
Bluejay4life
I loved Stroman when he was a blue jay but I don’t think he would be good for the group we have now. LAA is where I think he’s going
Mario93
Me too, was my favourite pitcher for the Jays .. All the negative press about his “personality” is ridiculous to me, and shows the amount of insecure “alpha males” who are his teammates, who he apparently rubbed the wrong way.
The guy is an ultra competitor who will battle you.. If we’ve add him back to a rotation that already has Berrios and Manoah and Ryu at the backend, that would be no joke .. Would help out our bullpen as well, having another true innings eater like Stroman.
He’d bring that firey energy he always had, ultra competitiveness, I heard he was tinkering with his pitches with the Mets, as he’s always looking for ways to improve. Found a new pitch he added to his arsenal, whatever the case may be…
Me personally, I think he’s a leader if anything, you can tell he is by the way he competes on the mound. I don’t buy into the toxicity stuff for a second, I wouldn’t mind playing alongside him that’s for sure if I was a baseball player .. A guy who pitches like he’s desperate to win. What’s not to like imo? I don’t get it. I would be ecstatic to have him back… I trust him more then I do Robbie Ray for a longer term deal. Ray has more upside probably, but a lot more bust potential as well..
With Stroman you know you’re getting a workhorse who’s always looking to get better.. that same “toxic ego” that apparently rubs people the wrong way is the same reason he’s always wanting to get better. Always pitching games with fire, it’s what sports is about.. Manoah is kinda like him as well.. Again.. Berrios, Stroman and Manoah 1-2-3 would be no joke!
I just hope he doesn’t go to the Red Sox… don’t want to see him possibly dominate for them. Would be a bad look on Atkins if he does though … Striking guys out and inducing double plays while chewing his gum and walking off the mound with flare lol.. it would be a problem definitely.
Dustyslambchops23
Funny I wrote something similar above without reading your comment. I always liked Stro too,I don’t think he’s a fit for the team anymore, but I agree it has nothing to do with who he is as a person .
Mario93
I hear you Dusty, I missed your post, man. I see you have the Dustin McGowan picture lol… I was a big fan of him as well. How come you have him as your avatar? If only he could’ve stayed healthy! He had some nasty stuff. I’ve been wanting to ask you about that avatar
Dustyslambchops23
Stupid story but my last year playing HS ball my team did a competition where you had to pick a players facial hair, hair cut or something like that and rock it for a month. I ended up with mcgowans infamous side burns hence the name.
I made this account like 10 years ago, maybe more and guess I just never bothered changing the name. Agree he was so electric, we had so many potential elite pitchers that never quite made hit their potential (McGowan, Sanchez, Morrow, Drabek, etc) hopefully Pearson and Manoah don’t follow that trend !
Who’s on the top of your free agent wish list ?
Mario93
I hear you, man. I wanted Matz back.. I think he could’ve been another version of J.A Happ for us. A guy who’s figured it out under our coaching staff, and will be more productive then his contact warrants.
Him getting 11 million a year with the cards may be something we definitely could regret. I think he could’ve been a great value get for a dependable rotation arm who pitches to a era under 4.. Hope I’m wrong though, but many of these other guys will wanna break the bank.. so I don’t know.
Colin McHugh and an Eduardo Escobar could be winning additions to our team imo and wouldn’t break the bank.. and maybe trade for a starter.. team doesn’t need all that much, just hope we don’t make any mistakes giving out large contracts and they don’t work out.
What about you ?
letimmysmoke55
You want to win? Go to SF
User 2079935927
1 good year. Jury is out weather it’s a fluke or not.
coolhandneil
Whether*
Bill M
No, he was talking about the fluke fishing weather in San Francisco
zimerust
Lol yeah let’s compare the giants and the Mariners the past decade.
orange2001
MLBTR’s projection seems rather steep. (Five-years, $110M)
mlb1225
$22 million AAV isn’t all that much for a solid #2 starting pitcher or low-end #1 starter depending on what the rest of the rotation looks like. Pitchers make a lot anymore and $22 million is actually quite decent.
metfan4ever
Halo11fan, no Seattle traded Cano, so they didn’t payoff a big contract, they didn’t for Jr, A-Roid, so Stro not on their radar.
Vizionaire
perfect pitcher for the angels. make it happen!
Fred Park
If players are trying to get Stroman to come to Seattle, as Stevil said, then that is as good sign.
I wonder if maybe the Mariners know more about this player than we might think.
Personally, I would not oppose it.
BabyBoyBlueDiamond
Definitely wouldn’t oppose it. His fire would fit nicely with my boys JP and Kelenic!
Fred Park
Right on, Shiatsu4yu!
Orel Saxhiser
He’d fit in with the fans, too. Watching those people support their team in September was a ton of fun. Every night when the Dodgers game ended, I would flip to the Mariners game. Sometimes I did it before the Dodgers game was over. Enjoy what’s happening, Mariners fans. Your team is turning a corner.
Fred Park
Thanks, Cey Hey, and I have to tell you that I was a Dodgers fan long before there was ever a Seattle team. Now I’m both.
Halo11Fan
You were a fan in 69. Ever see Bouton pitch?
Fred Park
Sure did, and I published a great photo of Bouton in ’75 in a magazine I published in Oregon at that time. That photo is one of my treasures.
There was a guy! Kind of a renaissance man in many ways.
carllafong
Your team was a -50 run differential. Be prepared for a major step backward because the math does not add up to consistent winning. See 20 year playoff drought for reference and DiPoto as your fearless leader. Seattle is a nice little cow town, the gateway to Alaska– but to travel from their to any real city is too far for a player who has a choice– and Stroman has lots of choices more appealing than Seatac!
D*ckin the dog
Come on Perry pull the trigger on this guy!
Best Screenname Ever
Red Sox fans and Stroman – what could possibly go wrong.
Fred Park
Best Screenname, now that is true humor.
Red Sox fans and ANYBODY, what could possible go wrong?
What we do is wait and see the answer as it unfolds, game by game.
Genuine wit is rather rare.
mlbnyyfan
Stroman not leaving NY plain and simple.
BabyBoyBlueDiamond
He isn’t going to the Yankees. He hates the Yankees.
coolhandneil
Plus, he’s not cutting his hair for any team.
Orel Saxhiser
People can say what they want about a pitcher’s W/L record not being important, but pitching well and posting a losing record as Stroman did with the Mets can’t be much fun. Why would he want to subject himself to that again?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I can think of 100 million reasons, maybe 120 million reasons. He did well there and he has said he like the clubhouse atmosphere. I really think the Mets and Giants are the most likely options.
Bill M
Buckets of cash, maybe
Dadbodfromseattle
Rumours in Seattle is stroman was just seen getting off plane in SeaTac. He was going back and forth w sewald online after the meeting. I think Seattle.gets him.
User 2079935927
Are you joke writer for Jimmy Kimmel? Permission to use that
Dadbodfromseattle
I don’t know who that is
Orel Saxhiser
I agree. The Mariners and the Angels both need a guy like Stroman, but the Mariners have significantly more payroll flexibility. A well-orchestrated rebuild by the M’s. Timely, too, with Correa apparently leaving the division.
Vizionaire
corea may, just maybe, come back to the division.
carllafong
How did you come up with this theory? The Mariners have more payroll flexibility than the Angels– based on what?Moreno is worth $4B and has a major franchise with the third best attendance in the sport and an international star generating even more money. Moreno has huge TV revenue and a new stadium development deal that he’ll probably make close to a billion dollars on once it’s completed. He can afford to buy whatever he wants and as many wants– and this year he is. Angels are adding two more starters– not one.
User 2079935927
Carllafong- He thinks because they cleared a bunch of payroll they can spend like the Dodgers or Yankees. Let him dream. The player has to first WANT to play for your team.
Trout
Rendon
Ohtani
SoCal Weather
Fletcher
Young up coming player. Adell, Walsh
Newport Beach.
It’s a no brainer
Packed Stadium every night.
Crunchtime1969
Mariners or the Angels sound about right. He’ll get paid but can’t screw anything up there.
Central Valley
I would not mind at all if Stroman was in San Francisco. I can see the fan base really liking his competitive spirit.
Webb, Stroman, Disco, Wood, ? ….
thickiedon
This guy and his fiery persona would be a great fit w the Astros
But I have him picked for Red Sox
carllafong
Stroman is great on percussion instruments, so yes he would be perfect in Houston tapping out messages on their trash cans.
RobM
Reminds me of the Kevin Long situation with the Yankees. Had a very good reputation, players loved him, had good results, but one off year and he was gone. Always easier to fire the hitting coach. Stick around long enough with a team as a hitting coach and you will eventually be fired. Within the game, though, they know who the good ones are, and Thames seems to be in that class from what I’ve heard and read.
RobM
Ha. Strange. I saw Thames and not Stroman.
Stroman is going to get paid big based on the contracts we’ve seen so far for lesser pitchers. Does he want to play for the Mets and Cohen? Local kid, but then again, so was Matz.
RobM
The world may have come back around for a pitcher like Stroman. Post the sticky-stuff change, when teams prior were looking for high spin and velocity up, many now are looking for pitchers with less spin who have shown they can succeed. He may generate less K’s, but his ability to throw ground balls and suppress HRs is valuable and indeed a different look than many other pitchers.
cars
It’s ridiculous on one hand to write that the Cubs will not be in on top big money FA’s. Then include the Cubs being in on top to mid tier FA’s. Just because they have money. But won’t spend it.
Curveball1984
Because the Cubs rebuilding is a myth. They have God-level money to spend and a mid-tier farm system in a big market with a network. They are in a prime situation to spend big and become pennant contenders within one season. But will they? The big question. Smart move is taking a year off and letting Marquez & Heuer & Hoerner develop. But will the bandwagon 2016 fans sit around for that? It ain’t 2011-12 anymore. Regardless, the Cubs are in the cat bird’s seat… and they know it.
jabronieramone
Stroman is Mike Trout’s biggest fan…
AllinTX
6/125M-130M to the Rangers along with Story, Suzuki and Rodon/Gray.
metfan4ever
Halo11fan, no Seattle traded Cano, so they didn’t payoff a big contract, they didn’t for Jr, A-Roid, so Stro not on their radar.
baseballguru
Finally! I have been screaming Stro from day 1! We don’t want Matz & he’s gone thankfully. Stro is PERFECT! Mid rotation horse and IMO higher upside that he’s shown in his career so far…not that his career isn’t very good, I just see a #2 guy if he wants it! GET HIM Bloome! Please & Thank you! Also we want Correa, Béaz or Seager at SS. Also go get Max and we’ll be good letting our guys (Arroyo, Houck & Whitlock) get reps and sorted out! Sign Raffy…or Mookie Betts him if he gets ridiculous on $ defense is huge same as offense. Would love to see Raffy, Bobby & Triston Casas hold down the corners & DH as you know many guys are leaving in 22 tons of payroll freeing up so going over 1 year doesn’t kill you…not this year…so go for those guys! Also Suzuki 4/32 to 40AAV with the posting fee would be great!
Jesse Cook
Cardinals fan here. I think they made their one and only “big” addition by signing Matz. No other big name is coming to St.Louis this off-season. If they don’t do something in the next couple of years, Arenado could very well opt out and go somewhere else. Not saying it’s 100% that he will, but very well could if the Cardinals sit on their hands and miss the playoffs.
Curveball1984
Dear God please don’t let the Cubs sign this bum. Overpriced, overrated, and a headcase. Any team that signs him for 2+ years will live to regret it.
RickEO
As a Redsox fan…. A Big hell no
slider32
Stroman and his agent have put him in a perfect situation, he has a lot of contending teams after his services. He is a smart guy(DUKE) with a strong will, I don’t think money will be the driving force here, but he will be a major over pay like all of the free agents. Free agency is not the best way to build a team, the draft and trading for players is the way to improve a team the best.
Camden453
Stro is a Mets fan and wants to finish the job in NY
mumsy01
Stroman is a pitcher. Great athlete, great fielder.
He’ll likely be somewhat exposed in postseason because he won’t miss bats. His ground all rate is terrific.
He’s the type of guy who will age well and he’s a terrific intelligent person. I’m not a flair guy but he deserves 5 years $90M to. $100M
AgeeHarrelsonJones
Uncle Stevies Twitter will be lit when Stro signs elsewhere. As a Met fan, I will be unhappy (to lose Stro) and embarrassed by the owner’s lack of basic social skills and emotional intelligence
NostraThomas
A lot of fire, this conversation has.(read like Yoda lol)
So, a guy is undersized and punches above his weight because he’s confident? Reminds me of Altuve (minus the trash can). Now, as a Yankee fan I loathe Altuve, but I respect him because of his competitiveness.
Winning breeds cultures, the same way losing does. Winners will have each other’s backs, losing will cause discourse and dissension.
Marcus needs to go to a team where the window is open for the length of the deal to be a real contender. I don’t think the Angels, Mariners, Cubs, Mets really fit that. I actually think Houston does. He can play into the heel angle the Astros have used so well the last few years.
Just an opinion. Everyone has one.
Mikel Grady
Ricketts have the money always have . They knew to shave payroll and trade stars they knew weren’t coming back. With jay hey the only big contract left and for only 2 years , this would be a great splash for the Cubs
houkenflouken
Seeing everyone say “mariners can have him” like okay we’ll take him sign him up
rycm131
Get the Angels jersey ready for him
48-team MLB
He would be wise to leave Queens and its fan base full of broken Hearts behind. The Mets are one of the worst Clubs in all of baseball and I would simply use them to Jack up the prices before ultimately leaving them with zero Aces. The Braves will remain Kings of the division as their Northern rivals struggle to put quality talent on the Diamond.
AgeeHarrelsonJones
You dont understand the NYM fan base if you think we’re full of broken hearts. You do realize most of us consciously decided NOT to root for the other team in town, one of the most storied and successful franchises in sports worldwide? Before you mischaracterize a fan base, how about thinking, even briefly?
48-team MLB
I’m doing just fine with my World Championship.
AgeeHarrelsonJones
Im glad – you’ve got a great team to root for and a lot of exciting young talent. Solid GM. I just don’t get the sense that you personally know many Met fans.
48-team MLB
You clearly didn’t understand the post. There are card references everywhere.
AgeeHarrelsonJones
There was nothing in my gracious response to you that merited your condescending comment. I will not engage with you further. I am sorry if I offended you, however
baseballguru
As a Mets Fan in the NL possibly you didn’t know about the AL East? But before you say a guy will get lit up there you should see his career 1st…so it was a confusing comment. With regards to your perception it was condescending I can’t help how you receive things…offense always resides inside the offended…I never get offended because I control that! The world would do well to realize this fact with all us humans using words…mere words. Your choice of interaction is yours…that’s the beauty of a free country here in the USA! But I’m not offended & you need not apologize to me regardless of what you say to me if that is what you wish to say…free speech is a great thing! But I’ll take Stro in the East & Javier as well! Happy Thanksgiving!
AgeeHarrelsonJones
@guru – I was not responding to you and did not say stro would get lit up. I was responding to the master of metaphor and cunning punning, 48 team. Cheers!
brucenewton
Has small man syndrome which rubs some the wrong way. High strung competitor TBS. Needs a high quality infield defense, especially up the middle. Mets had that, certain teams should steer clear because they don’t.
Bob333
Cohen will lose this one too because he will dick around and not put his best offer out there.Then blame someone else when Stroman signs elswhere which he will.
crazybaseballgal
Come to Seattle Marcus! We have your raincoat waiting. You will be loved
MikeKush20
Angels sign Max Scherzer.
3 years 150 mil.