Toronto Blue Jays: 50/50 chance Marcus Stroman is gone after season
By Paul Taylor
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, there is a genuine possibility the Toronto Blue Jays will trade Marcus Stroman during the upcoming offseason.
Marcus Stroman probably can’t wait for the 2018 campaign to be over, and not just because of the Toronto Blue Jays‘ poor record. He’s endured a lot this year, including injuries, loss of form and even falling out with the local media.
However, even when the season finishes, it may not bring an end to the unrest. At least not, according to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network.
As reported by the Score’s Brandon While, Morosi says there is a 50/50 chance Stroman will be dealt during the upcoming offseason. He made his claim while appearing on Sportsnet 590 The FAN.
Part of Morosi’s rationale is based on where conversations involving Stroman were at, between the Blue Jays and other teams at the non-waiver trade deadline. At the time we referenced a report from Fancred Sport’s Jon Heyman, who wrote that several teams had inquired about the pitcher’s availability.
Another part of Morosi’s reasoning relates to the need for pitching around the league. Regardless, we still find it hard to believe the Blue Jays will actually part company with the 2012 first round draft pick.
Yes, Stroman has endured arguably the worst statistical season of his Major League career. However, it’s too soon to give up on him.
It’s not like the 27-year-old has suddenly become a terrible pitcher. He deserves more time to see if he can return to his form of previous years.
In that respect, it is worth noting Stroman has improved in recent games, with his most recent outing against the Boston Red Sox serving as a prime example. Facing the best offence in baseball, he allowed just two hits, one unearned run and three walks in seven innings.
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Another reason why it’s tough to imagine the Blue Jays parting company with the Medford, New York native, comes down to his contract. He is under team control for two more years before becoming a free agent in 2021, so there is no rush to move him yet.
In any event, part of the conundrum comes down to which version we see of Stroman between now and the end of this season. If it is the version which struggled earlier this season, the Blue Jays will arguably not get as much for him in any return package.
If it is the version from previous years, then yes, the team would be able to demand more for the 2017 Gold Glove Award winner. However, if he is back on track, do you really want to part company with a team ace who is in the prime years of his playing career?
Ultimately, we just don’t see the Blue Jays trading Stroman anytime soon. Regardless, it should be an interesting offseason for fans, as they wait to see what the team does him.
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How likely do you think it is for the Toronto Blue Jays to trade Stroman during the offseason? If it was your decision, would you move him or not? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.