Milwaukee Brewers: Is Marcus Stroman unhappy in Toronto?

Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman sounds like he wants out of Toronto. Could he end up with the Milwaukee Brewers?

Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi reported that the Toronto Blue Jays and Marcus Stroman are on ‘divergent paths’. The Milwaukee Brewers have been seeking a top starter for the past two years. If Stroman wants out of Toronto before he hits free agency, could he end up with the Brewers? Based on the report, it certainly doesn’t sound like it’s out of the realm of possibility.

What’s Stroman’s contract status?

Marcus Stroman signed a one-year deal worth $7.4 million for the 2019 season. 2020 will be his final year of arbitration unless he works out an extension with the Blue Jays or the team he gets traded to.

Why is Stroman unhappy?

Stroman wants a long-term contract, and the Blue Jays have gone year-to-year with him. Unless the Blue Jays change their tune, Stroman is going to try to force a trade, or walk after 2020.

How was Stroman’s 2018 season?

Rough. Stroman only made 19 starts, and posted a 5.54 ERA. He struck out 77, walked 36, and was tagged for nine homers in 102 1/3 innings.

However, he was fantastic in 2017. In 201 innings, Stroman posted a 3.09 ERA with 164 strikeouts, 62 walks, and 21 homers in 33 starts.

What does Stroman throw?

He features a fastball that sits around 92-to-93 MPH, can reach 94-to-95 MPH. He also has a slider, cutter, curveball, and change up that he can mix in. Stroman has the complete arsenal of pitches that a starting role requires.

What would a trade look like?

If the Milwaukee Brewers were to trade for Stroman before the 2019 deadline, they would guarantee themselves at least a season and a quarter of Stroman on the roster. However, a contract extension would likely have to occur for Stroman to stay in Milwaukee.

The Blue Jays asking price for Stroman really depends on how he performs. 2017 Stroman is a lot more expensive than 2018 Stroman. If he’s closer to the 2018 version, The Milwaukee Brewers should be able to get him for a couple mid-level prospects, especially if he’s still unhappy. If he’s throwing like 2017 Stroman, the price goes up.

Corey Ray plus extras would probably get 2017 Stroman. A few of the Milwaukee Brewers arms from High-A or Double-A should get 2018 Stroman, especially if he continues to complain in the press.

A Milwaukee Brewers deal for Stroman could end up a lot like the deal for Jeremy Jeffress. It was clear that Jeffress needed a change of scenery in 2017, and a return to Milwaukee revived his career. It sounds like Stroman is in a similar situation in Toronto. The Brewers can offer Stroman a great clubhouse, a competitive atmosphere, and, possibly, the contract extension that he wants. Stroman won’t get moved until the trade deadline, but his is a name to watch as the 2019 season unfolds.