Marcus Stroman addresses trade rumours, future with Cubs originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman got off to another quality start in Saturday’s win over the Boston Red Sox, but with MLB’s trade deadline just over two weeks away, he must still discussing his future with the North Siders.
Stroman, who has an opt-out clause in his contract after the season, has repeatedly said he wants to stay in Chicago, but he also says he recognizes the realities of business in Major League Baseball and that he is ready for whatever comes next.
“I know (Cody Bellinger) wants to stay, and I know I would love to stay here, but a lot of that is out of our control,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s a business and we have to treat it as such, even though we have a lot of love for this fanbase and this organization. I love being a Cub. I love everything about it. .
Stroman is 10-6 and has a 2.88 ERA this season, with 101 strikeouts in 118.1 innings pitched.
He made no secret of his desire to stay with the Cubs, and even said Saturday that if he were to leave via trade this summer, he would be willing to return to Chicago.
“No matter what happens, hopefully they’ll be there in the offseason when it comes to my free agency,” he said.
He also questioned the wisdom of selling assets in a “wide open” division that looks winnable in 2023, but also said such moves could impact the Cubs’ future competitiveness.
“As an organization, why wouldn’t you want to be competitive year after year? Bellinger is a guy who changed your lineup. Why would you want him to go,” he said. “Why would you want to get rid of a guy like me who gives you quality starts in a league where it’s incredibly hard to get him. TO DO?”
Going into Sunday, the Cubs remain seven games behind the Brewers in National League Central despite being the only team in the division with a positive point differential this season.
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