Marcus Stroman Opts Out: Top 3 Landing Spots in Free Agency

With a $21M option for the 2024 season, Marcus Stroman has decided he can do better than that and has opted out to become a free agent. 

Stroman went 10-9 this year with a 3.95 ERA over 25 starts, but his numbers were hampered by a rib cartilage fracture that derailed the rest of his season. On July 15, he was 10-4 with a 2.88 ERA and coming off his second All-Star game. 

Overall, he has a 3.65 ERA in his nine years, with a 1.25 WHIP. 

Three teams that should be top of the bidders for Stroman's services in 2024 and beyond:

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays were a team that was "doing their homework" on Stroman back at midseason when he was still healthy and dealing for the Cubs. Tampa has been hit brutally hard by devastating injuries to their starting staff and could certainly use a prime piece for their rotation that wouldn't cost an outrageous price like Blake Snell or Aaron Nola. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers will be looking to add some serious starting pitching this offseason. They've already declined their option on Lance Lynn, and will also be without Julio Urias, who they'll let go in free agency, Dustin May, who'll be out until mid-season, and possibly Clayton Kershaw, who has just undergone shoulder surgery and still hasn't confirmed that he'll be returning to LA. In addition, Tony Gonsolin is coming back from injury, and Walker Buehler will be trying to come back from his second Tommy John surgery. 

A solid arm like Stroman can help solidify their questionable rotation. 

Chicago Cubs

While Stroman's decision opens up a whole slew of free agent pitchers for the Cubs to pursue (they've been tied, notably, to Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola), it's entirely plausible that they could look at re-signing Stroman, who had said all throughout the past season that he loves it at Wrigley and would be happy to remain a Cub. 

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