Marcus Stroman, RHP, New York Mets
Marcus Stroman was an American League All-Star last season before being moved before the July 31 deadline to the New York Mets and, like former All-Star Trevor Bauer, is a free agent to be after signing a $12 million deal for the 2020 season.
Given the perennially shaky financial situation of the Mets, the team could look to offload Stroman before he can walk away next winter.
He is not a conventional righthanded pitcher by any means — at 5-foot-7 he is the smallest righty of the 21st century and the smallest in baseball since 5-foot-6 Richie Lewis, who pitched from 1992-98 with five different teams.
In 21 starts with the Toronto Blue Jays last season, Stroman had a 2.96 ERA and 1.227 WHIP in 124.2 innings, striking out 99 with 35 walks. But his numbers ballooned to a 3.77 ERA and 1.475 WHIP in 59.2 innings over 11 starts with the Mets, as he fanned 60 and walked 23.
Stroman has made 115 starts over the last four seasons missing time in 2018 with shoulder issues.
He will be 29 on May 1, so again isn’t a prospect but could be a legitimate front of the rotation presence for the Los Angeles Angels. The question would be what the Angels would have to give up in terms of youth to get him.