MLB Rumors: Steve Cohen is frustrated, trade fits for Marcus Stroman and Paul Goldschmidt

MLB Rumors: If the Cubs trade Marcus Stroman, where will he go?

Marcus Stroman has made it clear that he prefers to sign a contract extension with the Chicago Cubs. Yet, Jed Hoyer and Co. have yet to make a legitimate offer, as Stroman is still under contract.

Stroman has an opt-out after this season, and assuming he keeps pitching at an NL Cy Young-caliber level, he’d be dumb not to exercise it. Stroman will make a lot of money as a free agent next offseason, which is why Chicago is tempted to trade him prior to the deadline. The Cubs are stuck in a very crowded, and yet very mediocre, NL Central. Selling is no guarantee, especially if Chicago can get back to their winning ways from earlier this season.

But if the Cubs sell, Stroman could be the first to go. Hoyer and Carter Hawkins could add to their farm system in a big way, and the Baltimore Orioles ought to be interested.

After rebuilding for the better part of a decade, Baltimore is finally in position to make the postseason again. The only thing they’re truly lacking is an ace-caliber starting pitcher, which could rear its ugly head if they do reach the playoffs.

Stroman would not come cheap, but he’s exactly what Baltimore needs — one of the best pitchers in baseball who is familiar with the AL East, having previously spent time with the Blue Jays. Even if he’s only with the O’s as a rental, the time for Baltimore’s front office to act is now. No more waiting for what’s been a very patient fanbase.