Chicago Cubs Ace Seeking Extension, In Talks With Team

It seems that the Chicago Cubs are beginning discussions with right-hander Marcus Stroman after he expressed interest in being with the club long-term.

Regina Ham | May 14, 2023

Chicago Cubs Ace Seeking Extension, In Talks With Team /

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The Chicago Cubs have a solid starter in Marcus Stroman. There is no doubt that he's a top three in their rotation and even at 32, he's a good choice for when the Cubs are struggling with their offensive performance.

Now, it seems there are talks to take this into a long-term relationship.

According to multiple reports, Stroman is interested in seeking out an extension for his time in the Windy City and is starting preliminary talks with the team.

Stroman joined the Cubs in December 2021 on a three-year deal worth $71 million. Since taking the mound in the North Side, he's made 33 starts.

Currently, he's 2-3 with a 2.28 ERA and a WHIP of 1.06 and 44 strikeouts during the 2023 MLB season. Over 33 starts, he has an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP 1.12. Over the 186 innings pitched with Chicago, he's recorded 163 strikeouts and 53 walks.

As it stands, Stroman has the option to opt out of his final year with the Cubs but is adamant he wants to stay.

Out of his eight starts this season, he's put on a clinic. Seven were quality starts. The Cubs, with Stroman as part of it, have the fifth-best rotation in Major League Baseball with a combined ERA of 3.47.

A fun fact: Stroman started the year pitching 1- straight scoreless innings. That was the fourth-longest stretch to open a Cubs season in modern history.

Ideally, for Chicago and Stroman, it would be in their best interest to keep him with the team for the rest of his career. He's entering his middle-30s, not necessarily the best time to make another team move.

He is also comfortable testing the free-agent market should the Cubs and himself not come to an agreement. Yet Stroman is a veteran that does will in the Cubs clubhouse and it will be interesting if they can strike a new deal while the iron is hot.

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Published May 14, 2023

REGINA HAM

Regina Ham is an editor and writer for Inside the Cubs. As an alumna of the University of Maryland-College Park, she studied both broadcast and multimedia journalism. A six-year veteran of the sports industry, she's worked in radio, television, and online media. You can follow her on Twitter @regina_ham or Instagram @reginamariesports. Upon her undergraduate education, Regina went to work in 2016 for Sirius XM-Satellite Radio on College Sports Nation/ESPNU for two years. During her time in school, Regina interned at a variety of Washington, D.C.-area media organizations, including NBC Sports Washington and WTOP. There she assisted in coverage of local MLB and NHL teams. She also interned down at WAAY 31 in Huntsville, AL and worked on stories regarding the local Minor League Baseball affiliate and SEC football. Regina worked in international sports television for almost four years, covering sports from MLS to the KHL and the KBO. She joined Philly Sports Network in 2022 and covers both the Phillies and Philadelphia Flyers before joining the Sports Illustrated network in 2023. You can follow her on Twitter @Regina_ham or on Instagram @reginamariesports. If you have any questions or comments, she can be reached at regina.ham28@gmail.com.