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Why Marcus Stroman Would Be A Good Signing For the Cubs



Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, and I also want to say that I'm thankful for all you that are reading this!

 With the Cubs still having a need for their rotation (howbeit only one spot, which is my opinion), and not as many pitchers remaining, there is one pitcher which I am all for the Cubs signing, and perhaps he would be too.

Of course, this rumor by the owner of MLBTR is what set things off, so I'll share it so you can see who is in the mix for Stroman. 


A new update shows the Mariners are also in the mix for him as well.

 

And although not really rumored to be in the mix for him, Stroman seems to like Cardinals fans and Busch Stadium...that's not good.

 

But again, none of these closes the deal. It also depends on money, years, etc. However, Stroman was rumored in the past to like the Cubs, and apparently Cubs fans (among others) have been showing him some love. Keep it up, Cubs fans!

 

Anyways, right now, there is a ton of teams (and fans) that would like him to sign with them, (who wouldn't?), but that doesn't mean all 30 teams are in the mix for him. I believe probably only the Red Sox, Giants, Cubs, Mets, Angels, and Mariners are in the finals for him, and the fact that the Cubs are in it is exciting.

Here is why I believe the Cubs should sign him, though probably every team could say similar stuff.

  • Stroman had a 3.02 ERA in 179 IP. He had an 50.8% GB rate and a 21.6% K rate, which is the main way he produces outs. He averages 92 MPH with his fastball and slider, so not very high velocity, but enough to produce strikeouts and outs.
  • He doesn't get hit that hard either, with a 34.7 Hard%, and most of opponent's hits come via Med% (49.9%). So, basically, most balls in plays are hit with a medium average speed, some with a soft speed, and a few that are hit hard.
  • The Cubs still have need for a good ace pitcher, ahead of Miley and Hendricks, and Stroman would be just the perfect one. The fact that he indicated earlier this offseason that the Cubs "are a good team to play for", I think he would be more willing to sign with the Cubs.
  • He is an obsessive mechanics kind of pitcher, which means he is constantly tinkering with grips, release, mechanics, etc. which would be good to help younger pitchers, as well as further his own development.
So, we shall see where he will sign, and also if he will sign with a team before the lockout begins. I do have a sneaking feeling that the Cubs will be in the final two or three for Stroman, and they just might be able to get him.

Y'all have a great day, and don't forget to follow me on Twitter!

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