Mets SP Marcus Stroman Opts Out of 2020 MLB Season

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

The New York Mets’ Marcus Stroman, who was set to join his team’s rotation this seek after recovering from a calf injury, instead elected to sit out the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19.

Stroman said, “With all the unknowns and uncertainty due to the pandemic, this is the best decision for me and my family.” He went on to thank the Mets organization for their support and understanding in the matter, which has been a theme throughout the league this season after players have elected to take the season off.

This is the second key Mets’ player to have decided mid-season that he would take off 2020, as Yoenis Cespedes made the same decision last week.

The 29-year-old right-hander, who was acquired in a midseason trade from the Toronto Blue Jays last summer, will end his Mets career after opting out of 2020, as he is set to hit the free agent market this winter.

Stroman, a 2019 AL All-Star and the owner of a career 51-47 record with a 3.76 ERA, was expected to be a major contributor for a Mets rotation which has struggled in his absence.

The New York native will instead focus on getting prepared for free agency this offseason as he looks to keep both he and his family safe from the COVID-19 virus.

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