MLB rumors: Massive Cubs trade decision, McCutchen’s future, Phillies trades

Cubs have a huge decision to make with Marcus Stroman

The Chicago Cubs have a massive decision to make with Marcus Stroman, and the clock is ticking on figuring out what they want to do.

Stroman has repeatedly made it clear that he loves playing at Wrigley Field and would love to agree on a deal that keeps him in the Friendly Confines for years to come. The Cubs are inching toward competing, it would appear, based on their extension of Ian Happ earlier this year after the team made signings of talented players in Dansby Swanson and Jameson Taillon during the winter.

Does Stroman fit that bill? He’s been in the league 10 years (though he only has played in nine seasons, opting out during the pandemic season) and appears to be playing some of his best baseball. It’s hard to tell how long his peak will be and whether or not he’s there or not yet.

According to reports, the Cubs want him back. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that a source told him the Cubs are “open” to a long-term deal (subscription required).

The tension, though, is that Stroman is one of the most attractive pitchers that could be available on the trade market. And starters are going to cost a pretty penny with teams having widespread struggles at the position, as we discussed in the previous slide.

Multiple decisions have to be made. First, do the Cubs want Stroman back? The answer would appear to be yes.

Second, is there more value in keeping Stroman long-term, or securing assets by trading him?

Thirdly, do the Cubs think they could get equal or greater value in free agency this offseason (keep in mind, they could technically re-sign Stroman in the winter), allowing them to replace his value while benefiting from a deal?

It’s a tricky situation to navigate. And we won’t know if the Cubs made the right choice or not until potentially years from now.

Committing a multi-year deal to Stroman if he’s closer to a decline than a plateau could play poorly. Then again, perhaps the Cubs can secure him on a team-friendly deal since all of his cards are on the table about wanting to return.

Stroman technically has a player option this offseason but will almost certainly opt out to earn himself his next contract.