If Cubs Trade Marcus Stroman, Could He Still End Up Back in Chicago?

Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman is having a great season and has become a popular trade target — if the Cubs decide to deal him.

David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman wants a long-term deal to stay in Chicago. The Cubs are reportedly not ready to do so.

But, if the Cubs decide to move Stroman at the Aug. 1 trade deadline, it doesn’t rule out a Stroman return to the Windy City.

Stroman told reporters, including 670 The Score, that if the Cubs deal him, he would “gladly” sign with Chicago in the offseason.

Stroman isn’t expecting an extension offer by the Cubs before the trade deadline. He and his representation have tried to interest the Cubs in discussions, but the Cubs have not been inclined to talk.

Stroman’s option year complicates matters for the Cubs. He can trigger a $21 million option for the 2024 season, but he is widely expected to bypass the option and hit free agency.

That’s because the 32-year-old is having one of the best seasons of his career. He is 10-6 with a 2.88 ERA, 101 strikeouts and a 1.09 WHIP. He’s a big reason why the Cubs, despite being five games under.-500, are still considering buying at the trade deadline.

Stroman would clearly be a target of contending teams if the Cubs decided to sell at the trade deadline, and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said on Friday that the team isn’t sure which way it will go.

If the Cubs become sellers, outfielder Cody Bellinger, along with pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Drew Smyly could also be targets.

More From SI's Inside The Cubs

1. Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Chicago Cubs?

2. Did David Robertson Net the Cubs a Future Star in Ben Brown?

3. Hoerner is the Cubs Shortstop of the Future

4. Cubs Could Give Canario a Shot in September

5. Could the Cubs Land Trea Turner in the Offseason?

6. Chicago Cubs Have a New Top Prospect in Their Rankings

7. Is This Top Cubs Prospect Destined for the Mound at Wrigley?

8. Steele Offers Glimpse Into Future of Cubs Rotation

9. Do the Chicago Cubs Have the National League's Best Bullpen?