5 teams that could trade for Blue Jays ace Marcus Stroman
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman has put together one of the best seasons of his career in 2019, and was rewarded with an all-star nod.
Through 18 starts he carries a 3.18 ERA and is on pace to flirt with 200 innings for the third time.
Despite the history of success and durability, Stroman likely isn’t in the Blue Jays’ plans moving forward, and the 28-year-old recently admitted he doesn’t see himself in Toronto long-term.
"I think it's at the point where I don't think I'm going to sign long-term,” he said in an interview at the All-Star Game with TSN earlier this week. “They haven't had me in their plans for the future and I've come to terms with it."
Stroman is the Blue Jays’ best trade chip in advance of the July 31 deadline, and Ross Atkins and Co. can expect a hefty return given he’s under club control through the 2020 season. Almost every rotation in MLB could use someone like Stroman, but here are five specific teams that could be in the hunt for the right-hander.
New York Yankees
The Bronx has been a rumoured landing spot for Stroman for months, and is a destination the New York native would be excited about.
“I love it,” Stroman told The Athletic’s Lindsey Adler last month. “New York’s like the Mecca of the world, right? I love excitement. I love bright lights. I love competition. I love pressure. I’ve always loved pitching here even though I haven’t necessarily pitched well here. I’ve always enjoyed it.”
Stroman is correct, Yankee Stadium hasn’t been all that kind to him as a visitor, as he’s chalked up a 6.37 ERA over nine career starts. Nonetheless, he’s established himself as a big-game pitcher during previous post-season runs and was named MVP of the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The bright lights of Yankee Stadium and relentless media scrutiny are a whole different animal, but it’s not difficult to imagine Stroman thriving in the environment.
Trading a player of Stroman’s calibre to a rival is a tough pill to swallow, but Toronto sent J.A. Happ to the Yankees last season, and could expect a strong package coming back the other way, with outfield prospect Clint Frazier possibly in the mix.
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota somewhat surprisingly finds itself in contention this season and leads the American League Central by 5.5 games. The Twins don’t have many imposing starters taking the mound, as they’ve been rolling out Michael Pineda and Martin Perez on a consistent basis. Adding Stroman would give them a solid one-two punch with young ace José Berríos.
The Twins have reportedly asked the Blue Jays about a package deal for Stroman and closer Ken Giles, but would figure to be interested in either player individually as well. Minnesota isn’t New York, but if Stroman is craving playoff baseball, the Twins seem to fit the bill. The Twins possess a top-10 farm system, so they have the assets to land a big name before the end of the month.
Atlanta Braves
If he doesn’t end up with the Yankees, joining the Braves would be a different type of homecoming for Stroman. Former Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos is at the helm in Atlanta and brought in Josh Donaldson in the off-season. Prying Stroman from Atkins and Mark Shapiro would be an opportunity for Anthopoulos to get a bit of revenge on his old club.
On the field, the Braves have been living up to the hype and are on the verge of running away with what appeared at the beginning of the year to be a tough National League East. They’re loaded with offensive stars, and seem to have found their ace of the future in Canadian Mike Soroka. They brought in Dallas Keuchel after the former Cy Young winner struggled to find work, and adding Stroman would equip them with a sturdy trio capable of doing damage come October.
Philadelphia Phillies
One of the teams chasing the Braves is the Phillies, who have disappointed after signing Bryce Harper over the winter. Philadelphia could be desperate to right the ship, as missing the playoffs would be seen as a colossal failure.
Jake Arrieta is dealing with an elbow injury that he’ll try to pitch through, but surgery seems like a very realistic possibility. Aaron Nola has taken a step back after his breakout 2018, so the stability Stroman would bring to the rotation could be too desirable for the Phillies to pass up at this point.
Colorado Rockies
Coors Field is a nightmare for pitchers because of the altitude, but Stroman might actually be able to fare OK there. The Duke product carries a 57.5 per cent ground ball rate in 2019, which places him well above the league average of 44 per cent. Keeping the ball on the ground is key in Colorado, and Stroman is one of the best in the business at doing it.
The Rockies don’t have many inspiring options in their rotation, and German Marquez hasn’t quite been able to replicate last year’s outstanding second half. Pitching is the Rockies’ biggest weakness, and they could find themselves outside of the post-season for the first time for the first time since 2016 if they don’t address it.
Stroman was someone Colorado was interested in the past, and rumour has it Charlie Blackmon was offered up in exchange. Toronto likely isn’t going to receive someone of Blackmon’s pedigree in return now, but the Rockies do have a few intriguing prospects in the pipe.
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