Cubs sign Stroman to 3-year deal reportedly worth $71M

The Chicago Cubs announced the signing of free-agent right-hander Marcus Stroman to a three-year contract Wednesday.

Earlier in the evening, Stroman broke the signing himself via Twitter after multiple reporters indicated the two sides were in serious talks:

The former All-Star and Gold Glove winner is reportedly joining the Cubs on a three-year, $71-million contract, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal includes an opt out after the second season in 2023.

There are also $2-million incentive escalators for Stroman if he reaches the 160-innings pitched threshold in both 2022 and 2023.

Stroman, 30, has spent the last three seasons with the New York Mets, posting a 3.21 ERA and 3.66 FIP over 238 2/3 innings while making 44 starts. The former All-Star and Gold Glove winner opted out of the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign and is coming off a one-year, $18.9-million deal signed as a qualifying offer last year.

A veteran of seven seasons, Stroman began his major-league career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014. He owns a 3.63 ERA and 3.62 FIP in 179 career games, including six relief appearances.

Stroman will join a Cubs rotation led by fellow groundball artist Kyle Hendricks and veteran left-hander Wade Miley.

The Mets recently added Max Scherzer on a record three-year, $130-million contract to counteract the loss of Noah Syndergaard and the potential loss of Stroman to free agency. Syndergaard signed with the Los Angeles Angels at the beginning of the offseason.

Stroman revealed last week that New York was not interested in re-signing him despite his desire to return.