Former Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman says he has approached the Chicago Cubs about a contract extension, but was snubbed.
“My agent and I made multiple attempts to engage them on an extension,” Stroman tweeted in response to a fan’s curiosity. “Club wasn’t interested in exploring it now. Will see how it plays out! Love everything about the @Cubs organization!”
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Stroman, who recently drew criticism from an anonymous Mets player for showboating, is known for using the social media platform to air grievances, and while this post wasn’t necessarily negative, most major league stars keep the status of their contract talks private.
The 32-year-old starter, who is in the second year of a three-year, $71 million contract with the Cubs, has been stellar this season. Despite his team’s 28-37 record, Stroman is 7-4 with a National League-best 2.42 ERA. His 3.3 WAR is nine points higher than the next-best NL pitcher, Bryce Elder of the Braves, who has a 2.4 WAR, according to Baseball Reference.
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On Sunday, he allowed two runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings, struck out five and walked four in his team-leading 14th start of the year.
“It’s like playing a video game, it really is, the way he’s able to throw the ball both sides of the plate with his sinker, his slider, curveball, change-up,” catcher Tucker Barnhart said. “It’s been so much fun to catch.”
This is a vast improvement from his 44 starts with the Mets, where he boasted a 4.1 WAR behind a 14-15 record and a 3.21 ERA.
Stroman, who is represented by former Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, has a player option on his deal for the 2024 season. With his stock high and his salary set to decrease from $25 million to $21 million next year, Stroman wants to be paid as one of the top pitchers in MLB. His contract has the ninth-highest average annual value in baseball, according to Spotrac.
This makes Stroman an attractive trade candidate, which could be why the Cubs don’t want to renegotiate. Stroman could yield them a large return from a team needed a solid starter.
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Manuel Gomez may be reached at mgomez@njadvancemedia.com.