Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman is slated to become one of baseball’s most prominent free agents in a few months, though no one knows how the game’s economic landscape will look then in the wake of a 60-game season. Stroman discussed his upcoming trip to the open market over the weekend with Tim Healey of Newsday and other reporters. While Stroman is unsure of what the future holds, the 29-year-old is confident he’ll be one of the best pitchers available if he does get to the market.
“It will truly play out as it will play out,” Stroman said. “I should be one of the top arms. I believe I’m one of the youngest. I’m extremely healthy. I’m coming off a great year. So however it plays out I think it will play out.”
It’s hard to argue with any of that. Unlike last offseason’s free agency period that Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg headlined, next winter’s won’t feature any surefire aces. But the likes of Stroman, Trevor Bauer and Robbie Ray look young enough and effective enough to cash in on multiyear contracts.
Stroman, who debuted in 2014 and has spent almost all of his career with the Blue Jays, has typically kept runs off the board at a nice clip. If there’s one clear negative, it’s that Stroman has never been any kind of strikeout artist. However, he has offset that by inducing a boatload of groundballs and limiting walks to a respectable degree.
Last year between Toronto and New York, Stroman combined for 184 1/3 innings – his most since a 201-frame effort in 2017 – and logged a 3.22 ERA/3.72 FIP with 7.76 K/9, 2.83 BB/9 and a 53.7 GB rate. For the most part, those numbers don’t stray too far from Stroman’s career figures. Stroman, though, is convinced he has even more in the tank, saying, “I truly believe my best years are ahead of myself.”
We’ll see if that proves to be the case during a shortened 2020, and whether Stroman does enough to convince the Mets to make a serious run at bringing him back. Owing in part to Stroman’s pending free agency, the Mets’ rotation will head into next winter facing quite a bit of uncertainty behind all-world ace Jacob deGrom. They’ll have a decision to make on Tommy John patient Noah Syndergaard’s roughly $9.7MM arbitration salary (odds are they’ll tender him, but the coronavirus has perhaps made that less of a sure bet), while Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha are due to join Stroman in free agency.
Stroman is the gift that keeps on giving. Just this past week he helped Blue Jays fans like and respect Randal Grichuk. Stroman’s exit interview with the organization didn’t go so well but at least he’s helping the Jays come together as a squad.
To me, it only made the Jays’ lack of veteran leadership all the more glaringly obvious. Not only did it not make Jays fans such as myself like Grichuk more, it made me think that he and Shaw are not the “experienced” leaders the team needs (keep in mind that Shaw made some quarantine comments based off of frustration). Stroman may be a prima donna, but Aubrey Huff should be steered clear of at all costs for someone who doesn’t want a tarnished public image.
Is Toronto lacking vet leadership? Yes. You are 100% correct.
As for Huff, he clearly got under Stroman’s thin skin. As great as he’s been in big games for the Jays he has his moments where he cannot stand the rain. 2018 his constant pouting was put on full display. If a retired, decent yet irrelevant ex-player is going to rattle him off the field, imagine what could happen to him on the field. If I am a contending NL East team I’m taking notes. AA probably has.
Imagine thinking how good of a player Huff was means anything about anything
Hopefully the whole reason ATL has been pitching heavy in development is to exclude them for the inevitable overpay Stroman will be receiving. We have enough young, inexpensive mid-rotation options.
Agreed, Run. Spending on FA pitching would make no sense, especially for Stroman. Although, that said, I wouldn’t mind them pushing for Noah, if he hits the market. It’s probably best to see what the young guys can do though, because the time is drawing near to see who hits and misses.
Atlanta will most likely be in a spot where the focus becomes locking up pieces of their core they want to retain. Just personal opinion, but I’d also argue a true #4 hitter will probably also be a need again next offseason. They should stay far, far away from Stro, though.
Absolutely, I’d imagine extending Freeman will be a priority. If the universal DH sticks, finding that #4 hitter should be a lot easier with short-term pieces, if necessary. Michael Brantley/Nelson Cruz could be interesting additions for short(er) deals.
Would you go for a LH or RH stick, or throw handedness out the window? I find that to be a tough question moving forward, if they try to balance the order. Freddie is the only pure LH, and of course Ozzie can switch. If Pache and Waters take the OF reigns though, the order is incredibly RH heavy. So in that scenario, a LH makes sense. On the flip side, both your #3 and #4 are then LH- making it easier for the opposing manager to play match ups.
Way too early to tell, but even, imho – you go with the best fit/deal. They originally liked Brantley before, so does a season removed not with the aid of a trash can and injury history factor into the contract, though he’s the LH hitter we need? Or, do you give Nelson Cruz probably wanting a high AAV at 40 y/o to be a pure power RH bat…? Personally, I’d think they’d be more interested in Cruz on a high AAV/1 year deal (option), similar to what AA has done the last 2 seasons (Donaldson, Hamels/Ozuna), that keeps money off future payrolls, giving them flexibility. Hopefully Riley runs away with a spot to make this easier.
Stroman’s a decent #3, borderline #2. Can’t overpay those types unless you’re one of the Big Boys. He might not find the windfall he’s looking for.
Exactly! He’s had 2 really good years, and his share of inconsistency in between. He’d be an exceptional 3rd starter, if a franchise has the luxury of being able to afford a bit of an overpay. He’s a really solid #2 on a good defensive team, probably. He’s not an ace, though. He’s never been an ace. He just occasionally pitches to that level when the stars align properly. I’d probably stay away unless his ask is 15m a year, or less.
If he’s asking for $15M a season, that’s all you need to know to stay away.
I’d want my team to stay away regardless, but why do you point to the 15m dollar number, out of curiosity? Too high for you? Or do you think a lower ask would mean injury or a down year?
I believe he’ll probably shoot for Wheeler type money initially, which he won’t get in the coming market unless some GM gets a brain cramp. Again, I’m not big on Stroman- but I just feel as if there will be a GM out there who is, and I do think he could fetch 15m.
The 2018 Blue Jays and 2019 Mets know Stroman as someone who gives up 10 hits per 9 innings. It resulted in long, plodding outings where he’d throw 95 pitches in 5 innings.
These are not good numbers if you’re looking for a big payday.
Stroman is so misguided. He will be waiting a long time to get a contract next year. He’s just not the difference maker he thinks he is
Stroman created, entirely on his own, a ‘me against the world’ scenario in Toronto. Completely on his own, then proceeded to get frustrated with same – Shakespearean dealings. Stroman is exhausting to have around – Jose Bautista Jr.
AKA ‘little man syndrome’
Bautista was always a team first guy. They aren’t comparable at all imo.
JD, your obvious worship of Bautista has clearly biased your understanding of same. I admire your loyalty, but question your understanding. Stroman, like Bautista, is anything but a team first guy. Both are self-centered, tantrum throwing children.
I don’t know but guys who offer to give up money so the team can sign guys or stick up for teammates at any time doesn’t really sound like it isn’t team first. I don’t think you have to worship somebody to see that.
I like him in Toronto. He does have passion to win and he worked hard to make it back in late 2015 for that playoff run.
That was a handful of games in 2015. Five years ago!
Can you name even one great pitching moment of Stroman’s from the last three years?
He has a 3.86 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 1.33 WHIP, 59.3% groundball rate, .9 HR/9, 19.4% K%, 7.2 BB%, 3.68 xFIP and 3.97 SIERA since 2016. While I don’t think those are fantastic numbers or anything, he has really similar numbers to Zack Wheeler, and he got a 5 year deal.
Apparently he believes “it will play out”.
I can imagine Wheeler as a solid number 2. At best I can only imagine Stroman as a solid number 3 — which should pay him well, but just short of Wheeler money.
Good point, I never would have expected Wheeler to land a $100M contract, so doesn’t mean it’s not possible for Stroman…although I wouldn’t endorse it
considering covid, it would be very surprising to see teams hand out big numbers to players like the stroman type in 2021
Wheeler has more potential, but overall number wise, they’re really similar.
Stroman tends to give up more hits than innings pitched.
Stroman is not a strikeout pitcher, he relies on defensive players to handle their business.
His walk ratio is climbing.
He is at best a #4 type who is on the decline, thus I bet as he turns 32/33 he will be relegated to a relief role.
his 2016/2018 years look to be what is ahead for him. He does have good games no doubt but penchant for giving up hits haunts him and I don’t see that getting any better.
I really cannot understand where in the world you people are coming up with Stroman being known for giving up tons of hits. His career H/9 is….. 9.0
Despite his struggles in his few starts with the Mets, his total numbers from 2019 improved from 2018 and some from 2017. His FIP, WHIP, BB/9, SO/9, H/9, and his SO/BB were all the best of his last 3 seasons.
Is Stroman an ace? No. Is he a great 2nd? No. Is he still a 2 on probably half the teams in the league? Yes. He will get paid, just as Zack Wheeler was.
He’s a ground ball pitcher who needs defense. The Mets and defense are two words that don’t go together.
Stroman, if you want to pitch in Anaheim next year, we’ll take you.
Our infield defense is expected to be stellar and you wont have to worry about pitching around the Mets defense.
I’d rather have Kay and SWR.
That trade looks better for the Jays as time goes on. SWR has tremendous upside.
Some of these players need a Covid reality check. Mookie’s gonna get his, as will JT. Everyone else better lower their sights.
Stroman is completely misguided. He may be one of the top arms available in a projected weak pitching market in the off-season, but hes also one of the most egocentric. Teams are going to remember how he dumped all over Toronto management and ownership because they didn’t trade him to the Yankees. Bad look. And, after he got to the Mets he sill couldn’t stop flapping his toilet. Nothing says “professional” like a grown man whining about an organization that helped develop him into the pitcher he is.
No, they wont remember how he dumped on Toronto.
If hes a #1 starter then I agree. But he’s not even close and i feel teams will certainly take his attitude and big mouth into consideration.
Teams are always optimistic. He’s not that big of a mouth.
For example, the Angels have leadership, I doubt they’ll believe he’ll be an issue. What they don’t have is dependable pitching.
If Stroman continues to tweet like a teenage girl scorned nobody will ever forget how he dumped on Toronto. Because he cannot help himself.
So true, Cold. Stroman is high maintenance. Ask Yasiel Puig about reputation and free agency. Stroman is a tantrum throwing brat.
I could have swore Stroman and Chris Archer was the same player. They really are two different guys??
Archer is a very loud spokesman against PED users. We could use more players like him.
Here’s a question for commentors: Mike Minor’s contract is set to expire at year’s end, he’s had a solid season and then a really good season too. He’s an aging guy in a relatively young market. Should we re-sign him or let him walk for a guy like Bauer? Minor has been a good teammate, and a solid pitcher, but I imagine he would want a multi-year deal to finish his career on. Bauer would only command a one-year deal, and when he leaves, guys like Crouse and Winn will be ready in 22′.
Another layer to this is that Bauer would command a larger contract, though for one season I wouldn’t fret over it. I like Minor, and he likes Texas, but I think the pros might outweigh the cons in this.
(BTW, it doesn’t have to be Bauer, him or Ray would be nice, but I’d love Paxton if he came back from injuries) Anyways, what do y’all think?
Depends on the price tag. Another solid short season from Minor and he should be a highly coveted free agent. Minor has quietly been good.
Needs to be on a team with strong leadership, with a plus defense. His little man syndrome rubs many the wrong way. He won’t be long for NY.
I believe Stroman and Minor will command longer contracts, but at a lower annual value than Ray and Bauer. Bauer and Ray have more upside and serve as potential breakout candidates, but I’d be less confident with their year to year consistency. Stroman has a high floor, but he’s never really flashed ace-caliber ability. Minor has been a great team player and reliable starter, but it remains to be seen if he can replicate his production as he ages. A talented and deep free agent class overall, but no consensus big fish acquisition like Cole or Strasburg
The comp for Stroman is Julio Teheran.
Stroman: 3.76 ERA 1.292 WHIP 7.4 K/9.
Teheran: 3.67 ERA 1.212 WHIP 7.8 K/9.
Stroman will enter free agency a year older. Stroman has never had a season where he had more strikeouts than hits allowed, Teheran has had 3 such seasons. If a GM signs Stroman for more than 1 year $9MIL, it should be considered malpractice.
Stroman is very solid #2-3. He is a very hard worker and gets the most out of his small frame. He relies on weak contact but can pull out the SO if needed. He should very well get Wheeler type money and I think his agent will be looking at Wheeler and Corbin as comps.
On the other hand he is a very confident which to many looks like arrogance. He has a big personality and is not shy to show it.
Toronto fans have an issue with players of this type. They prefer the quiet leaders, the stay in your lane types. Not the loud confident types. Which is why for some insane reason Bautista and Stroman have a lot of haters in Toronto, despite them being two of the better players in the organization the last decade.
Not only did he do well in Toronto he wore the city on his back and promoted Toronto as a great city. He still till this day says nice things about Canada and the city of Toronto. However he also was not happy getting shipped to a team with junk IF defense (which he needs) not in a good spot to get in the playoffs. Why do you think his SO/9 went up 2 runs going to the Mets? He didnt want to rely on defense.
I want good players on my team, I don’t care if they whine a little or have loud personality or show life on the mound or flip bats. I want to win and Stroman is a bulldog who wants to win.
Never had an issue with Stroman having a “loud” personality. Had a problem with his belligerence toward his teammates and staff if he didn’t get his way, his overall demeanor when the going got tough (while basking in the glow when successful), and his lack of self awareness when dealing with the media or on social media.
Works hard? Yes. Pitched well in big games? Sure. A teammate with a lot of drama and baggage? Absolutely. Unlike players of the past, this was all Stroman’s doing. Previous players were painted in a negative light to fans thanks to people in the media. The media doesn’t have to create a negative image for Stroman. He has created that himself. He is a bulldog on his personal terms.
Stroman is the type that would rather go 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in the World Series and lose than go 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA and win.
Stroman is they kind of guy who tears his ACL, gets his degree during rehab comes back in the same season to join Price and go on a 1.67 ERA run the final month. How you can think he cares more about himself and his own stats is interesting…. when his history shows he would do whatever it takes like in 2018 when he pitched through injuries to try and help the team.
Ya he has a chip on shoulders. I get it, even when he was drafted every analyst said he was too short to be a starter. He is a me against the world guy and its part of his greatness and his flaws.
Ya he had issues with some of the media. He refused interviews and limited them to only a select few. Media hates that, he got a lot of bad press for this. He had an open feud with Griff as a reporter who then became head of the Jays PR…. not exactly a marriage for good media coverage regardless how much at fault he was.
Any player that bad mouths management and ownership during and after his tenure with the team deserves to have his character questioned. Very unprofessional.
You can find it as interesting as you want. It is the truth. When a guy has to get the last word in or has to be the center of attention, it is the absolute truth.
2015 was a great story back in 2015. After what has transpired there is reason to believe he came back to pitch for himself and for the showering of compliments above all else. His attitude between 2018 to now has cheapened what was a nice little comeback five years ago from his ACL injury. Maybe he should have listened to Richard Griffin to boost his image.
He also tweeted this last year: “My chef told me that my energy and aura make her want to walk beside me in life”…. interspersed with photos of his expensive cars, house, and so on.
That’s all -five- -years- after he proved everyone wrong about the height thing, so let’s not pretend that he’s still holding on to that.
What he’s doing now is something else entirely. He’s become a braggart. And maybe that’s why Sanchez didn’t want to have anything to do with him.
I would rather have Stroman in the Angels starting rotation, than Heaney. Heaney a ground ball pitcher, his primary pitch is a sinker. Struggles with the Angels infield defense. Imagine what his numbers would look like in Baltimore or Toronto, instead of Anaheim.