Toronto Blue Jays: Cincinnati Reds actively pursuing Marcus Stroman
By Paul Taylor
The Toronto Blue Jays claim they are not actively looking to trade Marcus Stroman, but this reportedly hasn’t deterred the Cincinnati Reds.
The Toronto Blue Jays have continually declared they are not actively attempting to move Marcus Stroman (or Aaron Sanchez). And yet, there is still every possibility he will be gone before the 2019 season commences.
As per Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Cincinnati Reds have declared their interest in acquiring Stroman. Adding legitimacy to the speculation, both MLB Network‘s Jon Morosi and ESPN‘s Buster Olney have reported on the apparent interest.
In reality, the Reds have been extremely active in general during this year’s Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. However, pitching is their main priority, and the belief is Stroman is someone who would be a particularly good addition to the team.
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The 27-year-old is regarded as a good fit to play at Great American Ball Park, due to being a ground-ball specialist. As noted by Bryan Mcwilliam of the Score, he only gave up nine home runs in 102.1 innings during 2018.
Of course, this was a rare bright spot in what was a disastrous year for Stroman. He set career worsts in a number of categories, including ERA, FIP and WHIP, along with hits and balls per nine innings.
Regardless, the Reds’ interest in the 2012 first round draft pick appears to be genuine; in fact, this isn’t the first time they’ve been linked with the pitcher. However, he won’t come cheap.
As we previously reported, Sportsnet‘s Ben Nicholson-Smith suggested the asking price is uncomfortably high for some of the teams interested in Stroman (and Sanchez).
In theory, the Blue Jays should ideally want to hold onto Stroman. There is every chance he will bounce back from his poor 2018; this is still the same player who just a season earlier had his best year yet in the Majors.
However, it may well depend on how much the Reds are prepared to offer for the 2017 Gold Glove winner. If they met the Blue Jays’ asking price, the situation changes.
In addition, you can make an argument that Stroman needs a fresh start. He’s long had a contentious relationship with the Toronto media, which reached a new low this past season.
One final factor which will likely play a part in how this storyline plays out, is the Medford, New York native’s contract situation. There are two years of team control remaining, before he becomes a free agent in 2021.
We’ve always been of the opinion Stroman will be pitching for the Blue Jays, when the 2019 season begins. However, the longer the speculation linking him to Cincinnati continues, the more you have to wonder if his time in Toronto is set to come to a premature end.
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What’s your take regarding the trade talk surrounding Stroman? How likely is he to be moved by the Toronto Blue Jays, before the 2019 season begins? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.