Blue Jays: On the plus side, Marcus Stroman’s ready for a new season

While there are some negative takeaways from Marcus Stroman’s comments on Sunday, the talented starter sounds like he’s more than ready for a new season.

In a media scrum yesterday that lasted about 20 minutes, Marcus Stroman talked about his contract, his wanting of Vladimir Guerrero Jr on the Opening Day roster, his desire to stay in Toronto, and his excitement for the upcoming season.

Stroman also voiced his displeasure with a lack of a long-term contract offer from the Blue Jays, saying he’s “been wanting to play (in Toronto) for a long time” and has been waiting on a contract extension of some kind. For more on Stroman’s comments specifically, check out our own Hayden Godfrey’s piece from yesterday on everything the former number one pick had to say.

In the same media scrum, the right-hander also voiced his excitement and readiness for the upcoming season, and sounds confident about what’s ahead:

"“I want to pitch in the American League East, I want to pitch against the Yankees, I want to pitch against the Red Sox. People shy away from that, people go and hide in other leagues. I’m here. I don’t care who’s in the box. I’ll face everybody. I couldn’t care less. I think that’s the type of mantra and type of confidence the city of Toronto needs. I want to make sure everybody in this organization is doing everything in their power to put the best product out on the field. I want to win. I don’t like losing. I hate losing. I want it to be like ‘15 and ‘16. Those were the best times ever.”"

In a separate tweet on Saturday, The 27 year old hurler went on to voice his eagerness to pitch under new manager, Charlie Montoyo. Since arriving in the big leagues in 2014, Stroman has only ever played under John Gibbons, until now.

Getting back to yesterday’s meeting with the media, Stroman went on to add a lot about his desire to play in Toronto:

"“I would love to be here. But it seems like I’m not wanted sometimes.”"

Despite Stroman saying he’s been “offered nothing” in terms of a long-term deal, team sources disputed Stroman’s claim that he hasn’t been offered an extension.

This isn’t the first time that Stroman has voiced his displeasure with the Blue Jays’ front office, saying in the previous offseason that he’ll never forget the “negative things that were said against (him) by (his) by his own team” after his arbitration hearing.

Stroman battled injuries this past season, pitching in just 19 games, 102.1 innings, and posting a 5.54 ERA. The hurler is looking to put last season behind him and prove his doubters wrong, as well as prove to this front office that he is worthy of a long-term extension.