Toronto Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman takes arbitration loss personally

This week, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman lost his arbitration case. Although he’ll make a lofty $6.5 million this season, his relationship with the Blue Jays took one on the chin.

MLB’s arbitration process is rarely a fun venture for players and teams. One one hand, the process allows for both sides to benefit. Players can earn what they deserve while organizations can save a few bucks. The downside to this is that it involves a lot of professional trash-talking. As Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman experienced this week, it’s not fun.

Marcus Stroman Reacts

As he tweeted, Marcus Stroman listened to the Toronto Blue Jays put him down. Despite finishing last year with a career-best 13 wins and 3.09 ERA, the young star pitcher still took a verbal beating and the arbitration loss.

Professional athletes need a thick skin. Criticism from fans, writers, management, and their peers is constant. Without it, players will fall apart regularly.

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Unfortunately, this whole process could have been avoided. Stroman wanted $6.9 million with the Blue Jays countering at $6.5 million. A small margin in baseball terms, neither side would budge thus leading to this unpleasant experience.

Stroman will have two more chances at arbitration. After winning last year’s bid for $3.4 million, Stroman is pitching with a .500 arbitration record.

Next offseason, the two sides can avoid any ill-will by agreeing to terms. Since they have yet to see eye-to-eye for two straight seasons, I’m doubtful they will avoid arbitration next year.

Stroman is far from the only notable player to lose his arbitration hearing. Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto lost his, too. Often a strain on the relationship between player and franchise, we’ll have to wait a few more years to see how vengeful Stroman becomes when the Toronto Blue Jays are faced with his free agency.

Bad Contracts to Blame

One reason behind the Toronto Blue Jays and their unwillingness to bend could be multiple bad contracts. The best example of this is the contracts owed to Troy Tulowitzki and Russell Martin. Each will earn $20 million in 2018. To a lesser extent, underperformer Kendrys Morales will cost the Blue Jays $11 million.

Still, it’s hard to explain the logic behind the Blue Jays’ reasoning other than pride. Rather than allow third baseman Josh Donaldson to take him a modest amount in the $15-$20 million range, they broke the bank and agreed to a one-year deal worth $23 million.

Next: Troy Tulowitzki is already injured

Perhaps Stroman will need to wait until his final arbitration-eligible season before the Blue Jays pay him big.