MLB rumors: Stroman bluffing? Reds dragging feet on extension, Phillies favorite back on market
By Josh Wilson
With the trade deadline looming, is there a possibility that Marcus Stroman’s heavy campaigning for a Cubs extension is a bit of a bluff?
35 days until the MLB trade deadline. But who’s counting?
Marcus Stroman, for one thing. He has been clamoring for a contract extension all season, letting it be known that his preference is to stay in Chicago. So far, no action on that front.
Though his aggressive pursuit of an extension might imply he would walk this offseason if the Cubs don’t extend him now, might that be a bluff?
We look into that and more in today’s MLB rumors roundup.
Phillies fan favorite is available again
Nick Maton was optioned by the Detroit Tigers on Monday. Maton was a member of the Phillies “daycare” quartet in 2022 and put forth an OPS 40 percent above the league average with a .250/.341/.514 slash line.
Maton, however, has struggled a lot in Detroit, with an OPS nearly 40 percent worse than the league average. In nearly double the number of games he appeared in 2022, Maton has just six more RBI and 21 additional total bases.
It’s unclear what will be next for Maton, but teams looking to take a midseason flier that could use some infield help could look to him to fill the role. As for a Philly reunion, who knows? Second base and shortstop are secured, but the Phillies could give him some run at third base. Edmundo Sosa’s bat has been poor, too. Sosa, though, is a stronger fielder at third base. Maton had seven errors at third this year.