Marcus Stroman was first to report that he was signing with the Cubs.
At 6:52 p.m. ET Wednesday, the pitcher tweeted "Chicago!" and tagged the team to announce his move. In a subsequent tweet, he shared his excitement about playing in Chicago and expressed support for the Cubs' fan base.
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
MLB FA TRACKER: Latest deals, rumors on top names
Stroman also tweeted that Wrigley Field is the only MLB stadium that he hasn't pitched in. Then he interacted with commenters.
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
Appreciate it my man!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 2, 2021
Thank you my dawg. Coming to see you play soon. Right after my baby boy is born!
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) December 2, 2021
MORE: MLB lockout, explained
At 8:20 p.m. ET, the Cubs announced they had signed Stroman. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the free-agent right-hander agreed to a three-year, $71 million contract that includes an opt-out after the 2023 season. The contract also includes escalators based on innings pitched that could increase the contract's total value to $75 million, Passan reported.
The #Cubs today agreed to terms on a three-year major league contract with RHP Marcus Stroman. pic.twitter.com/6bkko55shP
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 2, 2021
Marcus Stroman signed a three-year, $71 million contract with the Chicago Cubs that includes an opt out after the second season, sources tell ESPN. He’ll make $25 million in 2022, $25 million in 2023 and $21 million in 2024. It includes $2M escalators for 160 IP in ‘22 and ‘23.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2021
SUTELAN: How much does adding a Cy Young winner help a team?
The 30-year old Stroman spent the 2021 season with the Mets. He compiled a 3.02 ERA over 179 innings in 33 starts. In 2019, he represented the Blue Jays in the All-Star Game; less than three weeks later, Toronto traded him to New York. He won his first Gold Glove in 2017.