Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman thankful he didn’t sign extension

Former Toronto Blue Jays hurler Marcus Stroman was ready and willing to sign a team-friendly extension to remain in Toronto but he is thankful now that he did not.

In a recent article posted on Jays Journal, I explored how Marcus Stroman was poised to cash in financially on a weak free-agent class this offseason. The “Stro-Show” retweeted the article which I am grateful for but that led to a plethora of comments and conversation.

Stroman chimed in after a fan tweeted his support to having the pitcher signed to a team-friendly deal in the prime of his career. The always approachable Stroman was candid and frank stating he would have definitely signed something team friendly at any point from 2014-2019! But at this point, he is thankful he didn’t.

Thankful may be a gross understatement once the 29-year old signs his multi-year pact with his new team this offseason for a boatload more money.

https://twitter.com/STR0/status/1318288796199264256

https://twitter.com/STR0/status/1318276757703729152

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There is no questioning the validity of his statement because I have honestly not seen an American athlete embrace Toronto or an entire country with the same admiration of Stroman. Say what you will about him, but he was 100% willing to become our adopted son and remain north of the border for the longterm. I wholeheartedly believe that.

Many athletes have come and gone but none have anointed themselves to the Canadian culture in the way that Stroman did. You can’t take that away from him.

The Blue Jays brain trust is the reason that Stroman wasn’t locked up long term and I for one would not blame Stroman for having zero desire to return under their leadership regime. That ship has definitely sailed and I guarantee that chapter will not be rewritten if Stroman has anything to say about it.

Stroman and Trevor Bauer are the only two legitimate front of the rotation starters on the open market this offseason and they just may both be the two most authentic social media follows in the majors.

Marcus, enjoy your right to be thankful this offseason, you earned it.