Chicago Cubs

Marcus Stroman's future on the North Side remains uncertain.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox and The Athletic reported that the pitcher has a desire to have an extended stay with the club, but organization itself wants to evaluate closer to the trade deadline.

Marcus Stroman has been an ace for the Cubs this season... but will he sign an extension with Chicago? 🤔@Ken_Rosenthal with the latest: pic.twitter.com/WSHzDSTtCt

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 1, 2023

"Stroman can opt out at the end of the season and he has been open about wanting to stay in Chicago," Rosenthal said. "The Cubs, however, are not inclined to sign him to an extension before the trade deadline. They want to see whether they remain in contention, and their budget for next season will hinge on how they finish."

Rosenthal then said that if Stroman were to hit free agency, he would consider a return to Chicago.

"Stroman, when I spoke with him yesterday, was understanding of the team's position," Rosenthal said. "He said whatever happens, he would love the chance to re-sign with the Cubs this offseason."

The righty signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the team ahead of the 2022 season, but the third year involves a player option. Given his strong performance in 2023, he will likely opt out.

Stroman's first year in Wrigleyville was average, as he went 6-7 with a 3.50 ERA. Year two has been a different story, as he has solidified himself as the team's ace with a 9-5 record and a 2.47 ERA. He leads the league in starts and quality starts, with 17 and 14 respectively, and has been his best at home, sporting a 5-2 record and a 2.25 ERA at The Friendly Confines.

The Cubs are still a legit playoff contender, as they are just 4.5 games behind the division-leading Cincinnati Reds, but it will take a terrific stretch to get that point. Given Stroman's performance this season, the club could consider moving him to a contending team as a rental, which could be a major deterrent from offering the extension.

In the midst of arguably the best season of his career, Marcus Stroman is making a statement to the Chicago Cubs as he seeks a long-term contract.

Stroman tweeted he and his agent have made "multiple attempts" to talk about a new deal with the Cubs, but they weren't "interested in exploring it now."

My agent and I made multiple attempts to engage them on an extension. Club wasn’t interested in exploring it now. Will see how it plays out! Love everything about the @Cubs organization!

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) June 10, 2023

Analytics don’t factor in work ethic or confidence. The two main attributes to perform at the highest level over time. Mix that with mental clarity and a loyal, tightknit circle of people around you. Longevity/consistency are a direct result of the work put in or lack thereof! 🗣️

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) June 10, 2023

The Cubs signed Stroman to a three-year, $71 million contract in December 2021 that includes a $21 million player option for 2024.

Stroman has maintained for a long time he would be more than happy to stay in Chicago if the opportunity presents itself.

"I've been open with the front office here, been very vocal that I want to be here and I want an extension, that I don't want to honestly make it to free agency," Stroman told Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times in March during spring training. "But I'm also very confident in my abilities in free agency. I've always bet on myself."

Stroman is certainly increasing his negotiating leverage based on his performance thus far. The 32-year-old is tied for the MLB lead in innings pitched (85.2), has the lowest WHIP in the NL (1.04) and ranks second in the NL in ERA (2.42).

One reason the Cubs may not be looking to extend Stroman right now is because he could be one of the best starting pitchers available before the trade deadline.

Chicago's 27-36 record is fourth in the NL Central, 6.5 games behind the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers for the division lead and final wild card spot.

Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman is hopeful of remaining a member of the Chicago Cubs with the opt-out in his contract raising questions over his future in the Windy City.

The 2019 All-Star told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal he doesn't to be traded as the Cubs sit last in the National League Central at 22-29:

At this point in my career, I'm so open to anything. But it would bother me a bit, just because I feel like I do love it here, as far as the city, the organization from the top down, the fans. It's incredible playing at Wrigley. Me coming out here 30 minutes before a game and getting a standing ovation, it's hard to top that.

Rosenthal reported Chicago "is happy with Stroman and open to a long-term arrangement."

A breakthrough in negotiations might be elusive in the middle of the season, though. Once it's Opening Day, players typically push any contractural matters to the following offseason in order to keep their focus solely on the field.

Without a new deal for Stroman, the Cubs could be in a bit of a bind.

You'd assume he'd turn down his $21 million option for 2024 in order to pursue a longer contract. In that case, Chicago would have no assurances about him re-signing, and Rosenthal noted the team wouldn't collect any draft-pick compensation if he left.

The right-hander figures to have good trade value ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline as well. Through 11 starts, he's 4-4 with a 2.95 ERA and a 3.74 FIP, and his 1.1 WAR are tied for 28th among starting pitchers at FanGraphs.

Stroman would be an attractive half-season rental for a franchise in a playoff position.

The 32-year-old may want to finish out 2023 with the Cubs, but the structure of his deal gives them a fairly obvious choice if they're still outside of the playoff picture by August. Trading him and getting a solid prospect or two back would be the smart call.

Former Chicago Cubs minor leaguer Josefrailin Alcántara is being sought in connection to the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old man in the Dominican Republic.

Citing reports out of the country, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the Dominican Republic National Police are searching for Alcántara in connection to the shooting.

In a statement to Lee, the Cubs said they released Alcántara after receiving notification from Dominican authorities about the investigation.

"We were made aware of a death investigation involving one of our former minor league players who was away from the team due to a suspension and has been subsequently released following notification by authorities in the Dominican Republic," the Cubs said. "We cannot provide further comment until we have additional details."

Officials said the shooting occurred on May 18, according to Dominican Republic newspaper Diario Libre (h/t Alec Gearty of the New York Post).

Alcántara allegedly shot the man, identified as Darwin Díaz Valerio, twice following an argument inside of a car, per Diario Libre's report.

Dominican police are in possession of the vehicle and found a bullet for a nine-millimeter gun and blood stains in the interior. Diego Aníbal Rodríguez Martínez, Alcántara's cousin, was allegedly in the back of the vehicle when the shooting occurred and was arrested on Wednesday.

Lee noted Alcántara was suspended in March for violating team rules prior to his release. The 18-year-old outfielder signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in January 2022. He appeared in 40 games for their Dominican Summer League squad last season.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the injured list with a left knee contusion, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.

Eric Hosmer was also designated for assignment after struggling at the plate this season, hitting just .234 with a .280 on-base percentage and two home runs in 31 games. The four-time Gold Glove winner was in his first season in Chicago.

Bellinger is also in his first season with the Cubs after being non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason. The 27-year-old has been much more productive, posting a .271 average and seven home runs in 37 games.

Any long-term injury could still be damaging for a player looking to rejuvenate his career after signing a one-year deal in the offseason.

Bellinger burst onto the scene with a Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and an MVP in 2019, hitting 47 home runs with a .305 average that season. He has struggled since, with injuries notably playing a role.

In 2021, the outfielder was limited to 95 games while having stints on the injured list with calf, hamstring and rib problems. The physical issues coincided with his worst year in the majors, as he hit .165 with a .240 on-base percentage and 10 home runs.

Leg issues slowed him down in 2022 as well, although he was able to play 144 games.

Another injury could be damaging for Bellinger as he tries to help the Cubs compete in the NL Central. Christopher Morel should see more playing time at center field until Bellinger returns to full strength.

The Chicago Cubs and Marcus Stroman reportedly held preliminary discussions about a contract extension this spring, per Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.

The starting pitcher signed with the team before the 2022 season and has a player option for 2024, but his intentions are to remain with the franchise long term.

"I've been open with the front office here, been very vocal that I want to be here and I want an extension, that I don't want to honestly make it to free agency," Stroman told Lee. "But I'm also very confident in my abilities in free agency. I've always bet on myself."

The team started negotiations with Stroman before the season, but talks have not continued since it started. Chicago reached an extension with outfielder Ian Happ in April, and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said at the time he didn't see the organization negotiating with anyone else during the season, per Lee.

However, it appears that Chicago could make an exception for Stroman.

The 32-year old has had a strong start to the season, earning a 2.28 ERA across eight starts. His efforts have helped the Cubs staff to the second-best ERA in the NL at 3.49.

He praised the organization and stated his desire to stay a Cub for the remainder of his big league career:

"I truly love everything about this organization. Being someone who's [going into] year 10 in the big leagues, I value that. And I love going out into the buzz at Wrigley every time I go out pitch every fifth day. The organization top down, how they handle the players, how they handle the families, how they operate, I love everything about it. So, I would love to be a Cub for, honestly, the rest of my career, and sign one more deal and be done."

The right-hander spent the first five-plus years of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays before he was traded to the New York Mets at the 2019 deadline. He has a 3.56 ERA and 1.24 WHIP across 1,214.1 major league innings.

The Cubs are third in the NL Central at 19-19, while Stroman's next scheduled start is set for Sunday against the Minnesota Twins.

The Chicago Cubs will reportedly receive some much-needed offensive support for their weekend series against the Miami Marlins that starts Friday.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported the NL Central team will call up first baseman Matt Mervis from Triple-A Iowa. The plan is for him to join the team starting Friday, which will be the first of six straight home games.

Cubs fans have been clamoring for Mervis to receive the call-up of late, and for good reason.

First base has been a relative weakness in the early going this season, as Eric Hosmer has a wins above replacement of -0.2 through 26 games, per Baseball Reference. Trey Mancini has been even worse with a WAR of -0.6, and the two of them have been the primary first basemen for the team.

It is a far cry from when Anthony Rizzo was a dominant force in the middle of the lineup for the Cubs teams that went to three straight National League Championship Series from 2015-17 and won the 2016 World Series.

Because of those positional struggles for a team that entered Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals mired in a 1-5 stretch, Mervis may be seen as something of a savior with unrealistic expectations.

Yet he has done nothing but hit this season at the Triple-A level with a .286/.402/.560 slash line, six home runs and 27 RBI in 24 games.

If nothing else, this will give him the chance to compete against major league pitching and adjust to the highest level before Chicago could make a jump into contender status in 2024. He is the sixth-ranked prospect, per MLB.com, in a solid farm system that features a number of players who could contribute for the Cubs as soon as next season.

Between the opportunity for Mervis to get some experience, the high upside he brings compared to Hosmer and Mancini, and Chicago's need for a spark given its recent struggles, this is a move that should have already been made at this point of the season.

But it is better late than never, and Cubs fans will get the chance to see one of the team's highly regarded prospects starting Friday.

Drew Smyly wasn't all that smiley after losing his perfect game in brutal fashion.

The Chicago Cubs pitcher had a perfect game going through seven innings of Friday's contest against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field...and then Yan Gomes happened.

In the top of the eighth inning, David Peralta hit a dribbler down the third base line and when Smyly went to pick up the ball and toss it to first base for the out, Gomes accidentally took out the left-hander while trying to make a play on the ball.

This is really how the perfect game ended. 😅 https://t.co/W662zOk3xs

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) April 21, 2023

https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1649515788632571906

After being robbed of greatness, baseball fans on Twitter were quick to mock Gomes and the Cubs for the incident:

That's objectively the funniest way to end a perfect bid #Cubs #Dodgers

— Splash Attack (@SplashAttack24) April 21, 2023

Haven’t seen many perfect games lost in a worse way than what just happened to Drew Smyly.. what an outing #cubs

— ₿3 (@bpeterson4) April 21, 2023

Cubs still gotta Cub...even when up 13🤦‍♂️

— Brian Duffey (@duffeyboy) April 21, 2023

No way a potential perfect game ended that way🤦🏽‍♂️ #Cubs

— Tyler Haskins (@t_hask21) April 21, 2023

why does it feel like that ended in the most Cubs way ever

— Cara C🏎️💨per (@caramariecooper) April 21, 2023

The two worst endings to perfect games in MLB history both belong to Chicago

1. Carlos Rodon clipping the hitter’s shoe lace
2. Drew Smyly gets destroyed by his own catcher fielding a ground ball

— Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) April 21, 2023

and there it is sorry folks

— jords 💗 (@jordancicchelli) April 21, 2023

Yan Gomes seeing Smyly about to keep his perfect game going pic.twitter.com/xK1sgfXTAg

— germ4 🇲🇽 (@germ4) April 21, 2023

https://twitter.com/ParkerMolloy/status/1649516914467561472

Yan Gomes is never living that down. We'll be seeing that clip of him tackling Smyly for decades

— Rook of The Veil Guard (@Cubsfanatic76) April 21, 2023

Yan Gomes impacting the outcome of a perfect game, let alone a game, in 2023, is something.

— Anthony DiPiero (@AnthonyDiPiero7) April 21, 2023

Drew Smyly so close to a perfect game

Yan Gomes: pic.twitter.com/heXXfiE36X

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) April 21, 2023

While losing a perfect game is ultimately disappointing, Smyly's performance on Friday should be praised by Cubs fans as he allowed just the one hit and posted 10 strikeouts with no walks in 7.2 innings of work.

The Cubs are in the midst of a solid start to the 2023 season and will improve to 12-7 with a win against the Dodgers on Friday. Chicago is just 2.5 games back of first place in the NL Central and should remain competitive for the top spot throughout the summer.

Ian Happ and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a three-year contract extension, which Bleacher Nation's Michael Cerami reports is worth $61 million.

The extension kicks in starting in 2024 and goes through 2026.

Happ was in the final year of his contract, and he's owed $10.9 million in 2023.

The 28-year-old has started this season on a strong note, slashing .314/.467/.514 in 10 appearances.

Drafted No. 9 by the Cubs in 2015, Happ made his MLB debut two years later. The Cincinnati alum was named to his first All-Star team last season. He hit .271/.342/.440 with 17 homers and 72 RBI.

Not only that, but he also won his first career Gold Glove.

The 2020 season was the best of Happ's career prior to last year. He finished 18th in National League MVP voting after posting a .258/.361/.505 slash line with 12 homers and 28 RBI in 57 games during the COVID-19-shortened campaign.

Happ's extension comes after the Cubs signed shortstop Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million contract during the offseason, while also adding Cody Bellinger, Trey Mancini and Eric Hosmer.

Chicago has gotten off to a 6-4 start to the new campaign.

The MLB's new rule limiting the time pitchers can take between throws has been put into effect for the first time.

Chicago Cubs starter Marcus Stroman was called on the first pitch clock violation in league history after he took more than 20 seconds between pitches during the Cub's season-opening 4-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on Thursday.

"It's tough, man," Stroman said, as reported by ESPN's Bradford Doolittle. "It's tough, the pitch clock. It's a big adjustment. I don't think people really realize it. It just adds a whole other layer of thinking."

The new rules limit pitchers to 30 seconds between batters. When facing the same hitter, pitchers must throw within 15 seconds with no runner or in 20 seconds with a man on base. If the pitcher can not begin his throw in this time, he is assessed a ball.

Putting the rule into effect during spring training shaved an average of 26 minutes off games, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

Stroman was called by umpire Ron Kulpa for the league's first regular-season violation after turning around to evaluate Brewers baserunner Brice Turang's position on second base.

The day was a success for Stroman, who struck out eight batters in six innings to lead the Cubs to a 4-0 shutout win in two hours and 21 minutes and mark Chicago's fastest Opening Day game in 35 years.

His experience with the pitch clock, however, raised questions of how difficult it will be for pitchers to adjust to these new limitations. The rules have so far gotten mixed reactions from the league, with New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer saying he loves it to Cincinnati Reds hurler Derek Law worrying it will create new difficulties for relievers.

After the game, Stroman told reporters the pitch clock at times made him feel "super rushed."

"Even between innings, I'm running out there very early to warm up in between," Stroman said. "A foul comes up and you don't even have time to rub the ball up... Sometimes I'm not able to catch my breath and find my proper breathing that I do before pre-pitch. It's definitely been a dynamic that's going to be tough on some guys."

The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, plans to collect an item from this game in order to commemorate the first pitch clock violation in MLB history, ESPN reports.