Chicago Cubs Ace Opts-Out of Contract to Become Free Agent

The Chicago Cubs will have to figure out how they want to build their starting rotation heading into next season after their ace opted out of his contract to hit free agency.

The Chicago Cubs expected to be one of the busiest teams this offseason as they had some of their important players potentially hitting free agency.

Some surprising news was reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

According to him, Cubs' ace Marcus Stroman opted-out of his player-option for the 2024 season and will become a free agent.

He would have been paid $21 million next year by Chicago.

Originally, it was thought that Stroman would opt-out and choose to see if he could get another lucrative contract on the open market after starting the season off so strong.

He looked like an ace and was set up to get paid like one.

However, his injury in the second half of the year made the situation murky and many around the league thought that he would pick up his $21 million option since he might not get that from another team.

Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the Cubs in 2022.

In two seasons with Chicago, he has a record of 16-16, an ERA of 4.22 and 238 strikeouts across 275.1 innings pitched.

The Cubs could still target getting their ace back in the mix during free agency if they feel like that's a priority.

Justin Steele seems set to take over the top of the rotation, but they're missing a clear No. 2.

Chicago has been linked to other starting pitchers, most notably Philadelphia Phillies' ace Aaron Nola.

With Stroman officially hitting the market, the Cubs will be adding starting pitchers to their list of needs this offseason.