Toronto Blue Jays: Let Marcus Stroman Pitch One More Time in Toronto

It is no secret that the Toronto Blue Jays and pitcher Marcus Stroman are heading towards a divorce. With the trade deadline on July 31, the organization should let Marcus pitch one more time at home.

Marcus Stroman was drafted in the 1st round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012.

Hailing from the state of New York, the 5’7 right-hander was electric out of Duke and has shown signs of both brilliance and failure during his tenure with the Blue Jays.

Stroman made his MLB debut with the club in 2014, with his best full season being in 2017 where he would go on to craft a 3.09 ERA, with 33 games started and a 13-9 record. He would also experience some playoff action with the club in both 2015 and 2016, pitching to mixed results.

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While he has had a few good seasons with the Blue Jays under his belt, he did struggle in 2018 where injuries and poor command saw his walks climb and his ERA float to 5.54.

He also missed significant time in 2015, when he blew his ACL during a bunting drill in spring training.

While he was supposed to miss the entire season, Stroman returned to Duke to both complete his degree but also rehab his injury, which allowed him to return to the team for the end of the season and the postseason.

A true testament to his hard work ethic and modern medicine.

With the Toronto Blue Jays in the midst of a rebuild and Stroman coming to the end of his arbitration eligibility, his name has been floated around the past few seasons in trade rumors amongst the media outlets.

In the middle of what would be his best statistical season, it is no surprise that scouts are showing up in droves to watch Marcus pitch.

With the organization and the fiery right-hander nowhere near completing a long term deal, the writing is on the wall that Stroman will most likely be dealt before the trade deadline this year.

This is a bit of a shame for the fans, considering Stroman is one of the last fan favorites remaining from the past postseason runs and one of the bright spots on the rotation this season.

It is also hurting the fans to see someone who enjoys living in Toronto so much and to see his team be noncommittal on keeping their best pitcher on the roster.

Regardless, I think the organization owes both the fans and Marcus Stroman one last chance to start a game under the CN Tower, which would be July 24 against the Cleveland Indians (barring rotation or scheduling issues).

Maybe ‘owes’ is a bit of strong word, but on a team with little to root for right now and the uneasiness everyone has with the front office receiving an acceptable return for Marcus Stroman, Jays fans have little to cheer for.

The prospects are still developing and it will be hard to see the best pitcher on the roster be sent packing, especially if they trade him within the division (and will see him consistently).

In the end, I don’t see a long term deal happening in the future and it will be tough to see Stroman go. I get that the team will not be competitive for a few years, but someone like Stro would be good to have as a mentor but also a strong pitcher during the ‘rough’ years.

I am optimistic that the Toronto Blue jays may keep him for the long haul, but my faith will most likely be squashed by the front office.

If Marcus Stroman does get sent packing, the only thing fans may be cheering for this season is the $5 beers and concession snacks found in the concourse.