Best Available MLB Players on 2023 Trade Block: Marcus Stroman
The Chicago Cubs are playing better baseball than many thought they would. Still, they team is more than five games out of a playoff spot with plenty of chips to trade. Marcus Stroman has been on a tear this season for the Cubs, making him a high-priority trade target for contending teams.
The Numbers
Stats as of July 20, 2023: 10-6, 2.88 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 101 SO, 118 IP
Stroman is having one of the best seasons of his career. He’s given up 13 total runs over his last five starts, striking out 23. Stroman’s 21.3% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate are around league average, but he’s always been a groundball merchant. His 58.4% groundball rate is his highest since 2018, and he’s done an excellent job of limiting the long ball.
Stroman does have a year left on his contract, but it comes with an opt-out. It also makes Stroman ineligible for a qualifying offer, which would leave the Cubs dry if they didn’t trade him by the deadline on Aug. 1.
Potential Destinations
The Rays are reportedly “doing their homework” on Stroman as the deadline approaches. The Rays could really use an extra starter, as they’ve been battling injuries all season. Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs have been shut down for the season. Shane Baz had Tommy John surgery last year and hasn’t been much of a factor this year. Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow and Zach Eflin have all made trips to the IL and forced the Rays into bullpen games.
The Blue Jays and Astros have checked in on Stroman as well. Just like the Rays, the Astros have been struggling to field healthy starting pitching. Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are both out for the season. Jose Urquidy is working his way back, and Framber Valdez left his most recent start early with an ankle injury. It does sound like he’ll make his next start, but it’s just more evidence as to why the Astros need pitching help.
The Verdict
Out of the three, the Blue Jays have the least concern with their rotation. The Rays and Astros need pitching badly, and it will come down to which team has the better offer. The Astros have been linked to other options such as Dylan Cease, so perhaps Stroman isn’t their main priority.
The Rays have a plethora of prospects/young MLB talent, so they should have no problem putting together a package. They also seem to have an elite pitching lab, so Stroman should fit right in with his performance so far. If it means keeping Stroman away from Houston, the Rays will have even more motivation to get a deal done and separate themselves in the AL.
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