Toronto Blue Jays and Marcus Stroman going down familiar path
Over the past couple of seasons, the Toronto Blue Jays have watched core players leave and Marcus Stroman could be next on the list based on recent comments.
When things are going right for Marcus Stroman and the Toronto Blue Jays, you see a player who is fun to have around both on and off the field. Then there are the moments where some fans wish the 27-year-old would let his pitching do the talking, which is what makes him such a polarizing figure.
That is what Stroman did when he took part in his first media scrum on Feb. 17 and he made it known he wants to be a part of the Blue Jays but, according to him, hasn’t been made an offer. This prompted members of the media to reach out to their sources, who refuted the pitcher’s claim.
There shouldn’t be an issue with a player voicing his frustration on a lack of progress on a contract, but those aren’t the comments that are the problem. It is Stroman pretty much saying he hopes the team is looking to put itself in a competitive situation.
"“I want to make sure everybody in this organization is doing everything in their power to put the best product out on the field,” Stroman told reporters. “I want to win. I don’t like losing. I hate losing. I want it to be like (2015-2016), those were the best times ever. I don’t want to lose.”"
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It is a bit shortsighted for Stroman to say he wants the team to go out and compete with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees on a consistent basis. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen when one of your top starting pitchers has a 4-9 record and a 5.54 earned-run average in 19 starts.
After this season, the Blue Jays only have one year left of club control with Stroman before he becomes a free agent. It has been no secret that the future of the New York native has been in question, with several reports indicated that teams were calling Toronto about his availability.
The team has seen the likes of Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson depart, leaving fans displeased with how the situations were handled. Is Stroman about to go down a similar path?
This is probably the debate management is having as the team will want a core to build around top prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. How much of it involves what is currently on the roster will be the big question.
Stroman says he wants to be around for the long haul, but whether he is willing to accept the team’s direction is another story. If he doesn’t, then the decision to trade him might be easier; but right now there is no reason to, considering he can improve his value with a strong start to the season.
Even then it might not guarantee Stroman sticks around.
Next. Jays need healthy and confident Aaron Sanchez. dark
What do you think about Stroman’s latest comments? Does it suggest his time with the Blue Jays could be coming to an end? Let us know in the comments below.