Royals Targeting Cubs Free-Agent Pitcher

The Chicago Cubs have competition if they intend to keep their own free-agent pitcher, Marcus Stroman.

Former Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has an interesting new free-agent suitor, per MLB.com.

The site confirmed a report on Monday that the Kansas City Royals do have an interest in signing Stroman for 2024.

Stroman is considered a Top 50 free agent by several sites, including Sports Illustrated, which would make the right-hander a big get for a Royals team that finished with a 56-106 record and last place in the American League Central.

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

He had a great start to his 2023 season and earned his second All-Star Game selection. But, a couple of injuries curtailed the second half of his season. He stressed during the season that he wanted to work out a long-term extension with the Cubs, but the team didn’t explore the option.

After the season Stroman turned down his $21 million option for 2024 and opted to explore free agency.

Returning to the Cubs is an option, but Stroman is looking for a long-term deal and something that can carry him to the latter stages of his career. He’s also entering a market with several high-end starters looking for deals, including Blake Snell.

Teams are also exploring trades for pitchers that have a least one year of control, including Tampa Bay’s Tyler Glasnow and the Chicago White Sox’s Dylan Cease.

Per MLB.com, Stroman isn’t the only starting pitcher the Royals are showing an interest in. The list includes Lucas Giolito, Michael Wacha and Jack Flaherty.