"The Cubs are happy about it" - MLB insider believes Chicago Cubs are relieved with Marcus Stroman's opt-out

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman has entered free agency after two years with the club and one MLB insider believes they will not be heartbroken about it.

The 32-year-old right-hand pitcher declined the option to extend after coming out against the team's front office in July. MLB insider Bob Nightengale believes that the Cubs have plenty of options and the veteran's departure gives them a chance to develop their unproven talents in the organization.

On the Jack Vita show, he said:

“I think the Cubs are happy about it. I think they want to go (in) a different direction."

Marcus Stroman was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2012 MLB draft and went on to make his major league debut for them in 2014, after two years in the minors. In 2017, he won the World Baseball Classic MVP with Team USA and his first Gold Glove award in the MLB. He was traded to the New York Mets in 2019 and then signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2021.

While he was the starter for the Cubs on Opening Day of 2023, he spoke out publicly against the Chicago front office for not willing to extend his contract in July, ahead of the trade deadline. He has since refused his option to extend with the Cubs and became a free agent at the end of the season.

Where will Marcus Stroman land ahead of the 2024 MLB season?

Marcus Stroman is a proven MLB starting pitcher who will no doubt attract a multi-year contract before the start of the next season. The 31-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Cubs but has entered free agency this winter.

There are already a bunch of teams that have been linked with the starter: including the San Francisco Giants and the Boston Red Sox. However, there is still some time for his future to play out and only time will tell where it will be.