Could Chicago Cubs Starter Opt-In to Play in 2024?

Not long ago, It seemed certain that Marcus Stroman would opt out of his Chicago Cubs contract this offseason — but has that changed?

For the first two months of the season, Chicago Cubs starter Marcus Stroman appeared to be one of the most attractive pitching targets hitting the free-agent market this winter.

Through his first 16 starts, Stroman logged a 2.28 ERA and 1.029 WHIP across 98.2 innings, earning his second career All-Star nod and positioning himself as a viable Cy Young Award candidate in the National League. 

Entering July, it seemed as if it was a foregone conclusion that Stroman would opt out of the final year of his contract with the Cubs and test the waters of free agency for the second time in three years.

In December 2021, Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the Cubs. Stroman has a player option for the final year, which if triggered would pay him a guaranteed $21 million.

Over his last seven starts, though, Stroman has been an entirely different pitcher. Not only is he no longer pitching at an elite level, but since June 25, he has been one of the worst starting pitchers in the sport.

From June 25, Stroman has posted a 9.00 ERA, 1.933 WHIP and 4.40 FIP over 30 innings pitched and seven starts. Stroman has just one quality start over the last two and a half months, and in four of his seven starts during that time, the 32 year-old has failed to make it through four innings.

Last week, Stroman was placed on the 15-day IL with right hip inflammation. He's eligible to return August 16. The Cubs intend to start him on Wednesday against the White Sox. 

If Stroman is unable to work out the kinks over the season's final six weeks, he may find himself opting in to the final year of his contract with the Cubs.

If he does, Stroman would return to a city he has seen success and appears to enjoy pitching in. He repeatedly said earlier this season that he wanted to get an extension done with the Cubs. 

Stroman could still choose to bet on himself, and if Stroman is able to put together a 2024 akin to the first half of this year, he could set himself up for a handsome payday in free agency after that season. 

But if Stroman looks for a multi-year contract this winter, it may not be quite as lucrative as the one he signed in 2021.

Stroman's performance upon returning from the IL will largely impact his future.

For more from Jack Vita, follow him on Twitter @JackVitaShow, and subscribe to his podcast, the Jack Vita Show, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, iHeartRadio, and wherever podcasts are found.

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