New York Mets star pitcher Marcus Stroman announced on Monday afternoon that he is opting out of the 2020 MLB season.
In a 3:00 p.m. presser, Stroman cited the fact that teams have not been doing a good job of adhering to the protocols as a partial reason for his decision. The Cardinals’ and Marlins’ outbreaks were a threat to his health as well as his family’s.
Stroman, a Tampa Bay, Fla., native, went back and forth from his home in Florida during the offseason and has seen firsthand how badly society is behaving in response to the virus. Even if all the teams were to adhere to all protocols, traveling to a new city is enough of a factor to cause an outbreak.
The Stromans have an at-risk member in their family, which is the main reason for his decision.
Stroman is set to become a free agent this offseason for the first time in his career despite not being on the field for a full six seasons.
Marcus Stroman's decision to opt out should not impact his upcoming free agency.
He entered the season with 5 years, 148 days of service. He picked up 19 days, prorated out to 53 days, on the injured list which brings him across the 6-year line to become a FA after 2020.
— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) August 10, 2020
The Mets now will have Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, David Peterson, and Rick Porcello as the only healthy starters with Stroman opting out. Stroman was due to come off the injured list in a few days as he wrapped up his rehab from a torn calf. He declared himself 100 percent in his presser while accompanied by general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.
Stroman will undoubtedly have many suitors this offseason should the Mets not extend a qualifying offer or come to terms on a new contract with their pitcher.
Image credit:
