Inside The Cubs

Could Tampa Bay Rays Be Interested in Adding Stroman at Trade Deadline?

The Tampa Bay Rays may be showing some interest in Chicago Cubs ace Marcus Stroman.
Kade Kistner|
Could Tampa Bay Rays Be Interested in Adding Stroman at Trade Deadline?
Could Tampa Bay Rays Be Interested in Adding Stroman at Trade Deadline?

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Chicago CubsTampa Bay Rays

The Chicago Cubs may have a new suitor when it comes to moving their ace in Marcus Stroman.

The Tampa Bay Rays could be kicking the tires on Stroman according to Sahadev Sharma on the Bleacher Nation podcast.

According to Sharma, the Rays are "doing their homework" on the ace as they look to add some pieces for a stretch run push. The Rays have been looking to get over the line in winning a World Series in recent years, yet despite putting together a talented roster year after year, haven't been able to seal the deal.

As for Stroman's fit, it makes sense from a production value as well as Stroman's profile as a groundball pitcher. The Rays, despite being notoriously cheap, should be able to handle Stroman's remaining salary for the season.

There is little reason to think Stroman would not execute his opt out and become a free agent at the end of the season. So Tampa need not worry about being on the hook for a full year of Marcus Stroman at $21 million in 2024. 

The Cubs look more and more like sellers as each day passes and the Aug. 1 deadline approaches. Chicago currently sits at 43-50, having lost two in a row and have won just five of their last 10. 

It's not the performance they were hoping for coming out of the MLB All-Star break as they were hoping to change the narrative and force the front office to buy. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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