Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman is one of the most polarizing pitchers in the game, for many reasons.
However, one thing is true: ever since putting pen to paper on a three-year, $71 million contract before the lockout, he has shown utter respect for the organization, its history, and everything that comes with playing for the Cubs.
He has endeared himself to fans, and he understands where he is at: he is the ace of a team with playoff aspirations.
They may not fully contend in 2022 (they might, though), but they will surely give it a try, behind Stroman.
He was pictured admiring the ivy-covered brick outfield wall, an iconic part of Wrigley Field.
Prayers to the most high. https://t.co/K04V7eWCKb
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 12, 2022
Stroman Wants To Be Mentioned Among The Cubs Greats
He is now part of the Cubs’ rich history, one that included many star-level players such as Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, Greg Maddux, Ryne Sandberg, Ron Santo, Andre Dawson, Billy Williams, Kerry Wood, Sammy Sosa, Derrek Lee, Mark Prior, and many others.
Stroman might not be a conventional ace, but certainly pitched like one last year: with a 3.02 ERA in 179 innings with the New York Mets, he proved he can both miss bats and get groundballs by the dozen, keeping his ERA low in the process.
He is being tasked with headlining a rotation formed by Wade Miley, Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and other talented pitchers.
Stroman is actually the symbol of today’s professional athlete: he often uses social media to engage with fans.
Some of them dislike him, but a huge bunch have shown love and respect for a pitcher who has shown he has a big heart.
Cubs fans hope to sneak into the 2022 postseason, led by Stroman.
NEXT: Seiya Suzuki Already Making History For The Cubs