Marcus Stroman Accepts Mets’ $18.9 Million Qualifying Offer

Marcus Stroman with Blue Jays in 2019
Marcus Stroman with Blue Jays in 2019. Photo by Canadian Press/Shutterstock (10181084ae)

The New York Mets learned on Wednesday that starting pitcher Marcus Stroman will be back for the 2021 season after accepting the team’s $18.9 million qualifying offer.

The diminutive right-handed pitcher was given the qualifying offer by the Mets, which meant that if he were to sign for another team, it would have had to forfeit a first-round draft pick in order to do so.

Instead of taking a risk in what is likely to be a financially-deflated market after the shortened 2020 season, Stroman simply decided to stay in Queens for another year.

Stroman did not play in 2020 after opting out of the season, which was partially due to recovery from a torn calf muscle.

The 2019 AL All-Star was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Mets just before last year’s trade deadline in exchange for a package including Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. He finished last season with a 10-13 record but with a sparkling 3.22 ERA.

He impressed during his tenure with the Mets as well, accumulating a 4-2 record and a 3.77 ERA.

Stroman is set to be one of the Mets’ key rotation pieces next year as they look to compete for their first playoff berth since the 2016 season.

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