Cubs Rumors: Marcus Stroman's Future In Doubt

Marcus Stroman loves being a Chicago Cub. He has come out on social media (where he is never shy) saying he wants to remain a Cub, and is looking to negotiate an extension, rather than accept his $21M player option for 2024. 

But the Cubs? They're not so anxious to extend, it seems. MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal reports in The Athletic:

The Chicago Cubs are not inclined to sign Marcus Stroman to a contract extension before the Aug. 1 trade deadline. 

Stroman, who can opt out of his contract after this season, is expected to become either one of the best starting pitchers on the trade market or the key to a second-half surge for the Cubs. There is no anticipation around a surprise extension for Stroman, who is pitching at a level that should put him in the conversation to start the All-Star Game.

Stroman told Rosenthal this past week, “Nothing new. I have a great relationship with (president of baseball operations) Jed (Hoyer) and (GM) Carter Hawkins. It’s been awesome here. I just don’t think they’re in a position right now for me to extend my (time here). Which, I don’t even care. I feel good here. I would love for them to be in play in the offseason. I would love to have an opportunity to sign back here in free agency after the year is done. I’m super present. However it goes, it goes.” 

Stroman is currently leading the Cubs' staff with a 9-6 record, a 2.76 ERA, and holds the only complete game shutout in all of baseball this season. He has a 1.09 WHIP and a 92:37 K/BB ratio while holding the opposition to a .205 average.

This will be a fascinating scenario to watch play out if the Cubs don't get back into the playoff hunt in the next few weeks, in advance of the trade deadline. They currently sit 38-43, 5.0 games back in the NL Central, and 7.0 games back of a Wild Card spot.

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