MLB Trade Deadline Preview: Marcus Stroman Would Patch a Hole in the Diamondbacks Rotation

The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the most surprising teams this season. They currently are behind the Dodgers by percentage points for first place in the NL West. Despite all the success they’ve had so far in 2023, Arizona has no reliable pitchers outside of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. With an opportunity to return to the postseason, the Diamondbacks need to get another starting pitcher. I believe the perfect starter they can bring to the desert is Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman.

Stroman Is Having a Great Year and Has an Opt-Out

This season Stroman has by far been one of the better pitchers in baseball. He currently sports a record of 9-6, an ERA of 2.96 with 98 strikeouts, and a FIP of 3.41. He also has a WHIP of 1.109 and was most recently selected to this second All-Star Game. However, the Cubs are struggling this season despite playing in the weak NL Central. Stroman has an opt-out clause that he will use given what starting pitchers fetch on the open market right now. Despite being interested in staying in Chicago, the Cubs are unwilling to negotiate an extension with Stroman ahead of the deadline. With the team also struggling, this means that the team is open to trading him since he’ll be a free agent after this season.

Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, and Everyone Else

Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have been the best pitchers in the Diamondback rotation this season. Gallen is currently 11-3 with an ERA of 3.04 However, the other starters Zach Davies, Ryne Nelson, and Tommy Henry have combined for an ERA of 5.02. It also hasn’t helped that they had to designate Madison Bumgarner for assignment earlier in the year. What also is hurting the rotation is Kelly is currently on the injured list. This makes getting a pitcher of Stroman’s caliber a must for the Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks Wouldn’t Have to Give Up Highly Valued Prospects

Heading into the 2023 season, the Diamondbacks had the third-best farm system in baseball just behind the Orioles and Dodgers. The Cubs currently have the 12th-ranked system and could use some more prospects. Since Stroman is going to use his opt-out, this will mean that the D-Backs won’t have to give up highly valued prospects to acquire him. To be successful, a team must have three to four dependable pitchers in their starting rotation. Arizona currently only has two and that won’t be enough to make it to the postseason. Having a pitcher like Marcus Stroman would help solidify the rotation for the stretch run.

Stroman Would Solidify Arizona’s Rotation

When Merrill Kelly returns, that rotation would be very formidable with the addition of Marcus Stroman. Stroman is having his best season since 2021 and is pitching like someone who wants to get a bigger contract. He also could perhaps be a long-term piece in the Diamondbacks’ future. Arizona has shown in the past they are willing to spend money if it’s worth it. Since Bumgarner was DFA’d, Arizona has had no other dependable pitchers and Stroman would help fill that void. If Arizona wants to continue its Cinderella season, then acquiring Stroman would be the move to make.

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