MLB Rumors: Cubs Don't Intend for Marcus Stroman to Return After Contract Declined | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Veteran starting pitcher Marcus Stroman's time with the Chicago Cubs is reportedly over after two seasons.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Monday that the Cubs "say they don't have any intention to bring back" Stroman after he declined his $21 million option for the 2024 campaign.

Stroman originally signed a three-year contract worth $71 million with the Cubs prior to the 2022 season. He was named Chicago's Opening Day starter this year and he earned his second career selection to the All-Star Game. However, injuries derailed his promising season.

Stroman had a 2.28 ERA in 98.2 innings over his first 16 starts in 2023 before being slowed by a blister, a hip injury and a fracture in his right rib cartilage. Over his final 11 appearances, he had an astronomical 8.29 ERA in 38 innings of work. Overall, he finished the 2023 season with a 10-9 record, a 3.95 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP and 119 strikeouts in 136.2 innings.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer summed up Stroman's season during his wrap-up press conference:

"He was exceptionally good and a candidate to start the [All-Star] Game. And then, really, kind of post-London I think he kind of really never got it back on track. He struggled in July and then obviously was hurt for August. And I gave him a lot of credit for working hard and trying to come back, but he never quite got back to where it was. And so I think that's the only way to look at his season–he was really crucial for us in the first half. But then, obviously, we certainly could have used him in the second half, but he was injured and unable to help us."

Stroman likely will be one of the top starting pitchers on the open market this offseason. If he can stay healthy, he can surely help any team contend for a playoff spot in 2024.