NEWSLETTER
You can see the rumors develop throughout the day here and here, culminating in the announcement from the man, himself. It’s really happening: the Chicago Cubs are signing free agent starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, one of the top available arms this offseason.
Your perspective on what they are attempting to do in 2022 should probably start to shift a bit if you’d be skeptical that they were going to try to compete. They are. Clearly. This doesn’t mean they’re about to ball out on more huge signings – for one thing, there’s no more time, since a lockout is likely to start at midnight, freezing all transactions – but it does mean you can start to dream on more additions for the purposes of 2022 after the lockout ends. The Cubs still have significant needs in the infield, in my view, as well as on the lefty power side of things. They could probably still use another starting pitcher to at least come in and compete in Spring Training. And they could probably use a stabilizing arm in the bullpen.
There will be so much more to say on this, from the implications to the deal, itself. But for now, I just wanted a spot to celebrate. It’s been a very long time since the Cubs had a free agent signing like this – Yu Darvish, four offseasons ago! – so it’s nice to see them back among the big boys. And I like Stroman to age well, and contribute to the Cubs over the next many years. This is just great news.
UPDATE: Slipping in the contract here, though we’ll discuss it more soon:
Marcus Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the Chicago Cubs that includes an opt out after the second season, sources tell ESPN. He’ll make $25 million in 2022, $25 million in 2023 and $21 million in 2024. It includes $2M escalators for 160 IP in ‘22 and ‘23.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2021
That’s essentially one of those short-term, high-AAV deals we’ve been talking about … but for Marcus Stroman. This is a fantastic deal.
Some of the fun from the announcement:
You ready to deal all year in front of that unbelievable Wrigley crowd my bro!? Let’s get to work! @Cubs https://t.co/oTXh3RGIC2
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
Chicago has always been one of my favorite cities. Culture and passion everywhere. Beyond excited to pitch in front one of the best fan bases in all of sports. Thank you to everyone in the city for the warm welcome. I can feel it. Let’s get to work! @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
Wrigley Field is the only big league stadium I haven’t pitched at in my career. Crazy. Can’t wait to call it home! @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 1, 2021
The #Cubs today agreed to terms on a three-year major league contract with RHP Marcus Stroman. pic.twitter.com/6bkko55shP
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 2, 2021
👀🔥Sup @STR0!? Welcome to Chicago! LINK: https://t.co/26wIUpFEOS Officially Licensed by @MLBPlayersInc pic.twitter.com/InPx30f19w
— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) December 2, 2021
