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Wednesday, Marcus Stroman accepted the qualifying offer of $ 18.9 million to return to the Mets for the 2021 season. Stroman’s return has several positive aspects and has pleased new owner Steve Cohen.
Marcus, this is great news. Looking forward to meeting you soon, I will call you over the next few days to thank you.
– Steven Cohen (@ StevenACohen2) November 11, 2020
Stroman rotational aid
This is the most obvious. The Mets desperately need to start pitching, and Stroman will be a welcome new addition. It is highly unlikely that Rick porcello and Michael Stop that will return, leaving the Mets with a rotation of Jacob deGrom, Stroman, David Peterson, perhaps Seth Lugo, and an open fifth place (with Noah Syndergaard ‘s return date unknown and Steven Matz ‘role in team undefined).
The upgrade of Stroman on Porcello and Wacha is significant. Wacha, who was in and out of the rotation last year, posted an ERA of 6.62 in 2020, and Porcello had an ERA of 5.64. Stroman has a career record of 51-47, with an ERA of 3.76.
The Mets still need help pitching, and given the new owner any options seem to be on the table. Trevor Bauer, the newly anointed Cy Young Award winner, was mentioned as a possible target. If the Mets complete the rotation at the top, Stroman can become third or fourth starter. If the Mets fill in at the lower end of the rotation, Stroman can become the starting number two. Either way, the Mets have added a valuable and versatile piece to the 2021 rotation.
Stroman’s return helps validate what we thought
Mets fans have long believed that the Mets were seen as an unattractive destination for top talent. When Stroman was acquired in July 2019, there were rumors he was not happy becoming a Met. The Blue Jays clubhouse was closed when the exchange was announced, and reporters said they heard screams in the room.
Stroman seemed to settle down once he arrived, but there was still a feeling he didn’t want to stay. When he became a free agent, many thought his time in Queens was over, and Stroman didn’t do much to make people think otherwise. When Cohen took control of the team, Stroman’s position instantly changed. He even recognized a feeling of excitement after the press conference.
After watching the presser I’m more than happy to play for you sir. I could feel the excitement and passion that you are going to bring on a daily basis. Let’s go be awesome! @ StevenACohen2
– Marcus Stroman (@ STR0) November 11, 2020
Of course, Stroman’s acceptance of the qualifying offer could depend on the current economics of baseball. He and other free agents would enter a free agent market heavily impacted by the shortened 2020 season with no fans. Contracts will be less lucrative and Stroman could buy time until the game’s financial situation improves.
Stroman’s return could have a snowball effect
This one can have the biggest implications. Free agent signatures can generate free agent signatures. The Mets have signed Pedro Martinez in December 2004, and Carlos beltran signed with the Mets less than a month later. Beltran said Martinez’s signing signaled the Mets were serious about winning and influenced his decision.
The same could happen now under Cohen’s ownership. Stroman chose to return. Other players may take this as a sign that things are different at Flushing now, both culturally and in the team’s attitude to the priority of winning.
Sandy Alderson said he was contacted by a player to sign with the Mets, and that he wasn’t even officially in the role yet (that player may have been Stroman). With Cohen’s resources and his stated dedication to winning (mediocrity is not acceptable and he wants to win within 3-5 years) players and agents are going to take note. New York has always been attractive, but now it may be a two-ward phenomenon.
Yes, Wednesday was a good day for the Mets. They added a valuable rotating arm. The days ahead will probably be even better. It has been a while since we Mets fans could say that.
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