Marcus Stroman opts out of Cubs contract, becomes free agent |
The 'Stro-show' is over on the north side.
Chicago Cubs standout pitcher Marcus Stroman opted out of his final year with the team and has become a free agent. “Love everything about Chicago. Grateful for the Cubs organization," Stroman posted on Instagram Saturday. "Thankful to have experienced Wrigley and the fan base. The consistent energy was incredible. Life is a journey. Excited for whatever comes next!” The final year with the Cubs would have paid him $21 million, but that is now a moot point. Stroman will now test free agency and hope that a team gives him a multi-year deal which could work out nicely for him. He is now 32 years old, so this might be his final chance to get a huge payday. He was 1-5 with an 8.29 ERA in his final 11 appearances with the Cubs. Overall in 2023, he had a 10-9 record with a 3.95 ERA with 119 strikeouts and 1.26 WHIP. The Cubs will now have extra money to get a frontline starter to replace Stroman, who likely will be younger and less injury-prone. Cubs star outfielder Cody Bellinger as expected, didn't take the Cubs option in his final year and is now a free agent looking for a huge payday. Stay tuned to CubsHQ all offseason long as we will cover all the free agent signings that relate to the Cubbies. According to @BNightengale, “the Chicago Cubs say they don’t have any intention to bring back starter Marcus Stroman.”