The Long Island born, Marcus Stroman, was a surprising candidate for the New York Mets to land at the trade deadline. His charismatic energy and swagger helped ignite the late season rise in the wild card standings.
"We can be one of the best in baseball"
Marcus Stroman says the Mets can accomplish big things in 2020 pic.twitter.com/yqmadkW1e1
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 28, 2019
Stroman was the ace of the bottom dwelling Blue Jays before the Mets acquired him in exchange for Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods-Richardson. The trade gave the Mets a rotation that could match up with anyone in baseball and upgraded them from Jason Vargas to Stroman.
The Return Home
While Stroman did not pitch as well as he did in Toronto, he still was solid during this short time with the Mets. He had a 4.91 ERA during his August starts with the Mets, which ended up being more Vargas-like. Stroman did not get past the sixth inning in any of those starts, but it included the electrifying nine strikeout performance in his home debut.
Marcus Stroman, 93mph Sinker, 90mph Cutter and 87mph Slider, Overlay (synced at release) pic.twitter.com/peBMrZv49T
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 28, 2019
September delivered the Stroman that Mets fans expected. He pitched to a 2.91 ERA and struck out 35 batters in 34 innings. Every time he went out to pitch the energy in the ballpark would kick up a notch. Stroman is a crowd pleaser and the fans rallied around him from the second he arrived in Queens.
2020 is the last year the Mets have control of Stroman before he becomes a free agent. The expectation is that the Mets will sign him on a long-term deal, but they will wait to see him consistently pitch well before any offer is made. He will play a vital role in the rotation, replacing Zack Wheeler. Stroman becomes the branch between Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz in the middle of the Mets rotation.
Stroman should have another strong year in 2020 and the Mets will potentially have three pitchers to count on in a win or go home game.
Grades:
Pitching Repertoire: A, Hard biting sinker induces plenty of ground balls and his off speed complements it very well.
Control: B, Walked a few more guys than expected, but has confidence in throwing all of his pitches in any count.
Composure: A+, HDMH, handles pressure as good as anyone in the game.
Intangibles: A+, Immediately came in and embraced his teammates. High energy guy and was evident how much he loves being back at home.
Overall: A-, Pitched very well in the short period of time, but I think he would tell you there is another level he can reach.