Free Agency has paved the way for multiple twists and turns to ensue. With the World Series coming to an end, teams have developed intrinsic strategies to improve their lineups for the next season. However, not every strategy seems to be working, as players often deny the team?s proposals and become free agents. A similar issue recently unfolded in the offices of the Chicago Cubs, where a star pitcher opted out of his contract and became a free agent. A renowned MLB insider confirmed this news.

The Chicago Cubs’ 2023 season did not pan out well. They failed to overcome their minimum expectations as they didn’t even qualify for the postseason. But their talismanic pitcher played his part well. So, the team indeed wanted to keep the 32-year-old. However, he has refused the offer and will be a free agent, joining another teammate.

Chicago Cubs to lose valuable star as All-Star set to enter free agency

Players leaving teams during free agency is common. However, what is less common is they opted out of contract to be free agents. But Marcus Stroman did it. As per Jon Heyman, the 32-year-old pitcher ?opted out of his Cubs contract and will be a free agent. He had $21M and a year to go.?

Marcus Stroman signed a 3-year, $71 million contract with an opt-out after two years in 2022. However, his time with the Cubs did not envision according to expectations. While Covid hampered the 2022 season, Stroman couldn’t play a vital part because of his injuries. In the 2022 season, he played as a starting pitcher in 25 games and pitched 138.2. Later that season, he underwent two back-to-back surgeries. First, he suffered from hip inflammation, and then he had a rib cartilage fracture. These injuries kept him out of the field for a month.

Again, these injuries led him to a terrific 2023 start. Though he had a 2.28 ERA and a .191 batting average in his first 16 starts, he later improved and ended his season with a 3.95 ERA in 25 game starts. After going through the rocky seasons with the Cubs, the pitcher no longer wanted to continue with them, as per Heyman.

However, Stroman is not the only player who?s leaving the Cubs this year. He joined another teammate, Cody Bellinger, who took the same decision a day back.

?Chicago Cubs undergoes a turbulent time as Cody Bellinger bids adieu

Bellinger is one of the top players on the Chicago team. Though the team suffered this season, the star outfielder has maintained his stats well. He ended his season with a .307 average, .881 OPS, and 26 home runs. While the team was offering him a mutual option, he reportedly declined it to become a free agent.

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A day back, Meghan Montemurro reported that the player declined the 2024 mutual option with the team. Moreover, the Cubs declined a mutual option for another player. They declined it for the veteran right-handed reliever Brad Boxberger.

Though Bellinger?s decision was expected, it still left fans in despair. Now, the next shock of Stroman leaving the team has created a tense situation at the Chicago outfit? Do you think they will bounce back in the right manner? What do you make of the departure of Marcus Stroman? Let us know in the comments section below.

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