Insider Thinks Cubs are 'Happy' Stroman Opted Out

Months after Marcus Stroman publicly called out the Chicago Cubs, the starting pitcher opted out of the final year of his contract with the team.

In June, Stroman took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare that he and his agent had approached the Cubs about an extension, but Chicago was unwilling to agree to a deal at that time.

Last month, the star pitcher informed the Cubs that he would decline his player option for the 2024 Major League season, making him a free agent. Stroman left $21 million on the table, choosing instead to test the waters of free agency.

One MLB insider believes that Chicago isn't shedding a tear over the departure.

Longtime national baseball writer for USA TODAY, Bob Nightengale, recently visited the Jack Vita Show, where he was asked about Stroman's decision to opt out.

"I think the Cubs are happy about it," Nightengale said. "I think they want to go (in) a different direction. It's a lot of money for a starting pitcher, although we're seeing some of these guys get $25 (million annually), whether it's a Sonny Gray or whether it's Philadelphia bringing back Aaron Nola. $25 million (per year) is realistic."

Stroman's opt-out creates space in the rotation for the Cubs. Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon appear to be shoe-ins for the Opening Day rotation, with youngsters Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks and Hayden Wesneski likely vying for the fourth and fifth spots.

His departure might also help Chicago develop pitching at the Major League level. Top prospects Ben Brown and Cade Horton could see time in the rotation later in the season.

Stroman excelled through his first 16 starts in 2023, logging a 2.28 ERA across 98 2/3 innings pitched before hitting a snag in the middle of the summer. He logged a disastrous 8.29 ERA over his final 11 starts and missed a month and a half with a rib cartilage fracture.

As for what the market may have in store for Stroman?

"I'm sure he’s looking to get a multi-year deal," Nightengale said. "It's not like he’s going to sign for a one-year deal for $25 (million). I'm sure he's looking to get a Sonny Gray-type contract, get a three-year deal out of it."

Three weeks ago, Sonny Gray inked a three-year, $75 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. Stroman may strive for the same payday, but he has been significantly less consistent than Gray has. However, the lack of starting pitching available on the open market could bring the price tag up for Stroman.

"At some point, there's not enough starting pitchers to go around, so someone might say, 'You know what, I believe in him,'" Nightengale said. "I think he gets a two-year deal, probably for around $50 (million). We’ll see about a three-year deal, but I’m sure he's going to wait out until he gets it. Some teams will start to get desperate here."

You can catch the full conversation with Bob Nightengale on the Jack Vita Show here: