Steve Cohen acknowledged that the New York Mets biggest problem so far this season has been pitching, most notably their high-priced veterans staying healthy. Could a trade be in the cards?
Chicago Cubs ace Marcus Stroman is expected to be available via trade. While a deal to the New York Mets seems unlikely given Stroman fell out of favor with the fanbase, it's not impossible.
When Stroman faced off against the Mets a few weeks ago — pitching eight scoreless innings and reacting as such — he received some hate from the rival clubhouse and fanbase.
An anonymous Mets player, quoted above via the New York Post, was bothered by Stroman's rather demonstrative reaction to an eighth inning strikeout. The fanbase, for the most part, agreed.
When this was brought to Stroman's attention, the right-handed pitcher called New York Mets supporters a 'trash fanbase'.
So, yes, a return to NYC seems unlikely given Stroman's sharp tone towards Mets fans just a few weeks ago.
Will the Chicago Cubs trade Marcus Stroman?
The Cubs, meanwhile, are between a rock and a hard place with Stroman. It's clear now that Stroman's camp have reached out to the Chicago front office about a contract extension, if they are interested. That itself is questionable, though.
The Cubs are in a difficult spot about a month and a half away from the MLB trade deadline. They sit 5.5 games back of the Brewers and Pirates atop the NL Central. It's unclear if Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins believe in this group. Stroman has a player option and could opt out after this season, and he likely will if he continues to play up to this level.
What would it cost the Mets to trade for Marcus Stroman?
If that seems like a lot for the Mets to give up, that's because it is. With the way Stroman is pitching, he's one of just a few pitchers capable of winning the NL Cy Young award. Mauricio is a top-100 prospect, but barely, and on the verge of making the major leagues. The Cubs would likely move him to a new position given Dansby Swanson is the everyday shortstop. Vasil is a year away from the major leagues, but could start or enter the Chicago bullpen. Ovalles is a lottery ticket, but at just 19 years old has put up decent numbers in rookie ball and elsewhere.
It's a steep asking price, and given all the drama between Stroman and Mets fans so far this season, likely not worth it from Billy Eppler's perspective.