Marcus Stroman Breaks The News Of His Own Signing

 

Marcus Stroman doesn't get along with the media very much. So when it came time to break the news of his long-awaited free agent signing, he decided to steal the thunder from the media himself: The Stro Show is going to Wrigley Field.

CHICAGO! @Cubs

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021

Chicago has always been one of my favorite cities. Culture and passion everywhere. Beyond excited to pitch in front one of the best fan bases in all of sports. Thank you to everyone in the city for the warm welcome. I can feel it. Let’s get to work! @Cubs

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021

Wrigley Field is the only big league stadium I haven’t pitched at in my career. Crazy. Can’t wait to call it home! @Cubs

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021

Heck, he even scooped Jon Heyman: 

Stroman is a Cub. 1st @STR0

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 1, 2021

The deal is for 3-years, $71M, with an opt-out after year two. 

"Chicago has always been one of my favorite cities," wrote Stroman. "Culture and passion everywhere. Beyond excited to pitch in front one of the best fan bases in all of sports. Thank you to everyone in the city for the warm welcome. I can feel it. Let’s get to work! @Cubs"

He also added that Wrigley is the only major league ballpark he's never pitched in. In 2022, he'll get at least 15 chances to do so. Among the teams that won't be pleased are the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs' most heated division rival. Stroman's numbers against the Cards (per @Michael_Cerami): 2.65 ERA, 27.6K%, 5.3BB%.

The 30-year-old was the last high-end pitcher available on the free agent market. He posted a career-best 3.02 ERA for the New York Mets this past season, and made a league-high 33 starts. 

Word is, that Stroman already had his physical in Chicago on Wednesday, as the process needed to be accelerated in order to beat the midnight deadline before the signing freeze goes into effect. 

Photo Credit:  Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports