Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman vs the Seattle Mariners at Wrigley Field. Apr 12, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) delivers against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman has been outstanding in 2023, putting together a 2.28 ERA over 47 1/3 innings pitched. The 2019 All-Star has looked as good as ever so far this season.

And it’s well-timed success for Stroman.

The 32-year-old right-hander has the ability to opt out of his three-year, $71 million contract — he’s in year two of the deal — after the season if he wants to.

Well, Stroman told the Chicago Sun-Times that he “[doesn’t want to honestly make it to free agency.” He claims that he’s been “very vocal” to the Cubs’ front office that he’d like to sign an extension, according to Maddie Lee of the Sun-Times.

“I’ve been open with the front office here, been very vocal that I want to be here and I want an extension, that I don’t want to honestly make it to free agency,” Stroman told the Sun-Times. “But I’m also very confident in my abilities in free agency. I’ve always bet on myself.” 

Stroman added, “I would love to be a Cub, for honestly, the rest of [his] career, and sign one more deal and be done.”

“I truly love everything about this organization,” Stroman said. “Being someone who’s [going into] year 10 in the big leagues, I value that. And I love going out into the buzz at Wrigley every time I go out pitch every fifth day. The organization top down, how they handle the players, how they handle the families, how they operate, I love everything about it. So, I would love to be a Cub for, honestly, the rest of my career, and sign one more deal and be done.”<

The Sun-Times notes that the Cubs and Stroman had preliminary extension discussions in spring training, but the talks have been paused. The Cubs did, however, sign outfielder Ian Happ to an extension in-season; Happ was set to be a free agent.

So, it’s possible that Stroman and the Cubs — led by president Jed Hoyer — resume those talks soon, and especially if he keeps pitching so well that the organization wants to make sure to not let him get away. His groundball game (his 57.3 groundball percentage ranks fifth among qualified MLB starters) is a great fit with a middle infield defense featuring Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner.

Stroman and Justin Steele (1.82 ERA in 49 2/3 innings) have given the Cubs a strong 1-2 punch to lead the rotation, and it makes a whole lot of sense to try to keep that in place long-term.

[Chicago Sun-Times]

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.