As we approach the MLB trade deadline, rumors of a Marcus Stroman trade in 2023 are likely to increase. Stroman’s contract could allow him to return to Wrigley Field in 2024.
But he’s also one of the best players currently on the trade market. Some of the Cubs’ potential trades leading up to the deadline could include Stroman, so there’s a good chance he’ll be dealt before the deadline.
Landing spots and the latest trade rumors surrounding Marcus Stroman 2023
Assuming Stroman is traded this summer, where could he end up? Almost every team in contention would welcome a leadoff pitcher like him in their rotation. But what do the latest trade rumors surrounding Marcus Stroman in 2023 say to his most likely suitors?
Based on the latest Stroman news and trade rumors from around baseball, let’s explore the five most likely trade targets if the Cubs decide to trade Stroman.
Diamond back
Few expected the Diamondbacks to be closing buyers, but that’s exactly what happened when Arizona tied with the Dodgers atop the NL West during the All-Star break. The D’Backs are definitely playoff contenders, but whether they’re willing to go all-in on this type of trade to acquire a front-line starter remains to be seen. But if they do, the Diamondbacks have enough young talent in their farm system to put together a package that pleases the Cubs and entices them to send Stroman to the desert.
Perhaps most importantly, the Diamondbacks need a starter up front. They’ve come a long way this season, with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly leading the rotation, but Arizona needs more.
Keep in mind that Kelly is currently playing in the IL, essentially leaving youngsters Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson as the No. 1. 2 and 3 starters in the rotation. It’s hard to imagine that the Diamondbacks can keep up with the Dodgers and Giants all season without beefing up their rotation. Of course, when Arizona adds Stroman and Kelly is fully recovered, the D’Backs will have an impressive trio to lead the rotation.
Brave
As dominant as the Braves have been this year, they will take no chances when it comes to seeking their second World Series title in three years. Of course, Atlanta has a roster capable of winning a championship in 2023. The Braves also know that a pitcher like Stroman can help them going forward, so expect to keep a close eye on the market for Stroman.
Remember Max Fried and Kyle Wright are both in IL. Because of those injuries, the Braves have already had 13 different starters this season, making it necessary to sign a starter in time, especially since they don’t know what they’ll get from Fried and Wright. Of course, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder and Charlie Morton are all top performers. But Stroman would give them another starter up front while also solving some of their rotation depth issues.
shoots
This year has not gone well for the reigning National League champions. The Phillies know their only way back to the postseason is a wild-card berth that sees Atlanta run away with the division. In order to secure a playoff spot and improve their chances in October, using a frontcourt starter like Stroman is a smart move for Philly.
Additionally, Philadelphia’s rotation hasn’t fared as expected this year. Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler both had poor seasons by their standards, while Taijuan Walker also had some rough moments despite winning ten at the break. It may take a pitcher like Stroman to stabilize Philly’s rotation and give them the depth the Phillies need to secure a playoff spot and head into October as a true contender for a World Series return.
diverting
When it comes to winning a championship, there is no price too high for the Dodgers. Just two years ago they got a big deal for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, so acquiring Stroman this summer would be a move entirely on their part. With Dustin May out for the year, there’s no guarantee Walker Buehler will return, and now Clayton Kershaw is with IL, there are holes in the Los Angeles rotation that need to be filled.
The good news for the Dodgers is that Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan excelled in the minor leagues. If the Dodgers can get Kershaw healthy and keep Tony Gonsoli and Julio Urias out of the IL, they may not need a front-line starter like Stroman and can focus on adding a bottom line starter. Los Angeles, on the other hand, tends to have a “go big or go home” attitude at the deadline. That could make the Dodgers a serious contender for Stroman, especially since they have the capital to complete such a trade.
Astros
We’ve already seen the Astros add big-name pitchers in the middle of the season, so it’s no surprise that Marcus Stroman is sharing rumors linking him to Houston in 2023. The Astros should cause more of a stir than usual at the deadline because they need to reach the AL West. Unlike years past, winning the division is far from certain, so the Astros will need help.
They were also hit hard by injuries with Jose Urquidy, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are all absent. Framber Valdez has led the rotation admirably, but the Astros have had to dig deep into their pitching depth this season with no guarantee the depth will last. If the Astros are going to have any serious success in back-to-back championships, improvement to the rotation is needed. This will bring Stroman to the fore as he and Valdez can do some serious damage in October.
