Blue Jays showing ‘strong interest’ in Marcus Stroman: report

The Toronto Blue Jays appear to be interested in a reunion with an old friend.

The club has reportedly shown strong interest in Chicago Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman, according to Bruce Levine of WSCR.

Stroman has a $21-million player option for 2024, which he is expected to decline. The annual salary could increase based on the number of innings Stroman pitches this season.

The 32-year-old is amid a terrific season with the Cubs, pitching to a 2.88 ERA across 20 starts with 101 strikeouts. He appeared in his second career All-Star game last week as a member of the National League.

Stroman was recently asked about a potential contract extension with the Cubs and said he was open to it but “don’t think it’s going to happen.”

“I love everything here. I just don’t think they are in a position to sign me before the deadline,” he said.

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The Blue Jays drafted Stroman in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft (22nd overall). He quickly developed into one of Toronto’s most reliable starters, including a solid rookie season that saw the right-hander make 20 starts (26 games) with a 3.65 ERA and an 11-6 record.

Stroman also factored into the Blue Jays’ 2015 postseason run after he missed most of the regular season with a torn ACL.

The Blue Jays traded Stroman to the New York Mets during the 2019 season for Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson. He signed as a free agent with the Cubs in the 2021 offseason.

Toronto is riding a four-game winning streak and is six games behind Tampa Bay for the division lead. The starting rotation consists of Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt, Alek Manoah and Yusei Kikuchi.

Veteran starter Hyun Jin Ryu is rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery and appeared in a game with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Saturday. He’s expected to be clear for a return to the Blue Jays ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline.