CHICAGO - Marcus Strowman arrived at the airport and caught a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago as soon as he got word from his agent.
The right-hander arrived on time with Lockout looming, agreeing to a three-year contract that sources told ESPN's Jeff Passon for $71 million. And the Cubs landed one of the top remaining starting pitchers in the free-agent market on Wednesday.
"It's one of the best franchises in all sports and fan bases, so it's extremely attractive to me," Strowman said. "It sells out every night. Pitching in front of that electric crowd is something that fascinates me."
The deal includes an opt-out after the second season, sources told Passan. Sources said Strowman will earn $25 million in 2022, $25 million in 2023 and $21 million in 2024, and the deal includes a $2 million escalator to reach 160 innings in '22 and '23.
Strowman announced that he was leaving the New York Mets for Chicago in a series of tweets hours before the labor contract between the players and owners ended. The Cubs later confirmed the deal.
CHICAGO! @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
Chicago has always been one of my favorite cities. Culture and passion everywhere. Beyond excited to pitch in front one of the best fan bases in all of sports. Thank you to everyone in the city for the warm welcome. I can feel it. Let’s get to work! @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
Wrigley Field is the only big league stadium I haven’t pitched at in my career. Crazy. Can’t wait to call it home! @Cubs
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 1, 2021
Strowman said the deal went together "really fast" and that his "senses went up" once agent Broderick Schofield told him the Cubs were interested. He is also looking forward to pitching at Wrigley Field for the first time. He visited the famous ballpark on Wednesday after completing his physical and medical examination.
"The city is incredibly welcoming socially, and I'm excited. It's fan base is incredible, so I can't wait to pitch in here," Strowman said.
After the worst-ranked team in baseball with a 4.87 ERA, improving the Cubs' pitching was a priority for President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer. Strowman, 30, gave the figures a big boost to the rotation. He went 10-13 with a 3.02 ERA & tied for the major league lead in 2021 by making 33 starts for the Mets.
Strowman was an All-Star in 2019 with Toronto before being traded to New York that season, then pulled out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is 61-60 with a 3.63 ERA in seven seasons with the Blue Jays or Mets.
Strowman figures with Kyle Hendrix & newcomer Wade Miley to anchor the Cubs' rotation. Alec Mills, Adbert Alzolay, Justin Steele & Keegan Thompson are also in the mix for the starting spots.
The Cubs are trailing after going 71-91, their 1st losing record since 2014. He claimed an exemption to Miley from Cincinnati on November 7.
Chairman Tom Ricketts said in an October letter to fans that the Cubs "will remain active in free agency & continue to make thoughtful decisions to strengthen our team this off-season." Strowman said his deal shows the team is serious about winning again soon.
"I think they are definitely not in a complete rebuild," Strowman said. "I think they definitely want to win now. Obviously, this is a city that has an incredible fan base & baseball is a competitive sport. You never know what you are going to do any year. "
Chicago also announced the contracts on Wednesday for catcher Yan Gomes & outfielders Clint Frazier or Michael Hermosillo.
Gomes agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal that includes a club option for 2024. Frazier & Hermosillo received a one-year contract.
The Cubs also have Wilson Contreras behind the plate, but he is eligible for free agency after next season & the team may decide to trade him if the sides cannot reach a long-term deal this winter. Chicago could also use Gomes to provide more comfort for Contreras, who turns 30 in May.
The 34-year-old Gomes played for Washington & Oakland this year, batting .252 in 103 matches with 14 homers or 52 RBIs.
Frazier agreed to a one-year contract after batting 186 with the Yankees last season. 5 overall pick in the 2013 amateur draft, he hit .239 in five seasons for New York.
Hermosillo spent most of last season at Triple-A Iowa and appeared in 16 games with the Cubs, going 7-for-36 with three homers. He missed the last 3 1/2 weeks due to a left arm strain.