NEWSLETTER
Folks, this is quite serious. An earlier report from Matt Spiegel indicated the Cubs were in “hot and heavy” discussions with free agent starter Marcus Stroman, and now that report is getting some confirmation from the big national names. (SEE UPDATE BELOW!!!)
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman both confirm the talks are happening:
Cubs in talks with free-agent right-hander Marcus Stroman, source tells @TheAthletic. First to note interest: @MattSpiegel670.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 1, 2021
Cubs are in serious talks with Marcus Stroman @mattspiegel670 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 1, 2021
This very much has the feel of a situation where talks were very serious for quite a while, got to a point where both sides thought a deal was possible, and thus they put themselves in a position to try to finalize it by today (because the lockout is going to start tonight at midnight). Makes you think the physical and medicals were already taken care of – maybe even preemptively – just in case it got to this point.
In other words: yes, this is very serious. Stay tuned.
Also: If the Cubs can land Marcus Stroman before the lockout starts, we’re in for two(?) very long months of silence … during which we can dream on just how aggressive the Cubs might surprisingly become for 2022 when the lockout ends.
UPDATE: IT’S HAPPENING:
CHICAGO! @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
You ready to deal all year in front of that unbelievable Wrigley crowd my bro!? Let's get to work! @Cubs https://t.co/oTXh3RGIC2
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
Details soon, I expect. But it’s really happening. The Cubs are landing a top pitching free agent.
