The trade that brought Marcus Stroman to the New York Mets in 2019 was a significant move for the team. Stroman, a highly-regarded starting pitcher, was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Mets just before the trade deadline.
The move was unexpected, as the Mets were not thought to be in the market for starting pitching at the time.
We will explore how the Mets were able to acquire Stroman and the impact he had on the team during the 2019 season.
Background on Marcus Stroman
Career With the Toronto Blue Jays
Marcus Stroman was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012 and made his major league debut with the team in 2014.
He quickly established himself as one of the team’s top starting pitchers and was known for his excellent control and ability to induce ground balls.
During his time with the Blue Jays, Stroman made the All-Star team in 2017 and won a Gold Glove award in 2019. In 2019, Stroman had a 6-11 record with a 2.96 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 21 starts before being traded to the Mets.
Stroman’s Value as a Starting Pitcher
Stroman was widely regarded as one of the top starting pitchers available on the trade market in 2019. He was valued for his consistency and ability to keep his team in games, as well as his ability to induce ground balls and limit home runs.
Stroman was also known for his competitiveness and leadership, making him an attractive target for teams looking to add a reliable starting pitcher to their rotation.
Interest From Other Teams
Several teams expressed interest in acquiring Stroman before the trade deadline in 2019. The New York Yankees were seen as one of the top contenders for Stroman’s services, as they were in need of starting pitching and had a strong farm system to offer in exchange.
The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves were also rumored to be interested in Stroman, although the Mets ultimately made the move to acquire him.
The Trade
On July 28, 2019, the Toronto Blue Jays traded Marcus Stroman and cash considerations to the New York Mets in exchange for pitching prospects Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson.
The move was made just before the trade deadline and was seen as a surprise move by the Mets, who were not thought to be in the market for starting pitching at the time.
Comparison of the Players Exchanged
Anthony Kay was a left-handed pitcher who was considered one of the top prospects in the Mets’ farm system. He was drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft and had pitched well in the minor leagues prior to the trade.
Simeon Woods Richardson was a right-handed pitcher who was also highly regarded by the Mets. He was drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB draft and had shown promise in the minor leagues as well.
Marcus Stroman, on the other hand, was an established starting pitcher with a proven track record in the major leagues.
He was widely regarded as one of the top pitchers available on the trade market in 2019 and was seen as a significant upgrade for the Mets’ starting rotation.
Analysis of the Trade
At the time, the trade was seen as a win for the Mets. They were able to acquire a proven starting pitcher without giving up any major league talent.
Stroman went on to pitch well for the Mets in the remainder of the 2019 season, helping them make a late-season push for a playoff spot.
However, some critics questioned whether the Mets gave up too much in the trade. Kay and Woods Richardson were both highly regarded prospects and had the potential to become impact players in the major leagues.
The trade also came at a cost, as the Mets had to take on the remainder of Stroman’s contract and give up cash considerations to complete the deal.
Overall, the trade was a calculated risk for the Mets. They saw an opportunity to acquire a proven starting pitcher and made the move to improve their chances of making the playoffs in 2019.
While the long-term impact of the trade remains to be seen, it is clear that Stroman provided a significant boost to the Mets’ rotation during his time with the team.
Impact on the Mets
Stroman’s Performance With the Mets in 2019
Stroman made 11 starts for the Mets in 2019, going 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA and 60 strikeouts. He was able to provide stability to the Mets’ starting rotation, which had struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance throughout the season.
Stroman’s ability to induce ground balls and limit home runs was especially valuable in the pitcher-friendly Citi Field.
Stroman’s Role in the Mets’ Starting Rotation
Stroman quickly established himself as a key member of the Mets’ starting rotation, joining Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard as the team’s top starting pitchers.
Stroman’s consistent performance and ability to pitch deep into games allowed the Mets to give their bullpen some much-needed rest during the season.
Stroman also provided leadership and a competitive edge, helping to set the tone for the team on and off the field.
Stroman’s Impact on the Mets’ Playoff Push
The Mets were on the fringes of the playoff race when they acquired Stroman, but his addition helped spark a late-season surge.
The team won 14 of their last 18 games in August and September, with Stroman playing a key role in several of those wins.
While the Mets ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, Stroman’s performance down the stretch was seen as a major positive for the team heading into the 2020 season.
Overall, Stroman’s impact on the Mets in 2019 was significant. He provided stability to the team’s starting rotation, helped to set the tone for the team on and off the field, and played a key role in the team’s late-season surge.
While the trade to acquire Stroman was controversial at the time, it is clear that he had a positive impact on the Mets during his time with the team.
Comparison of Players Traded in the Marcus Stroman Trade
| Player | Team | Position | Games/Starts | Wins-Losses | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Stroman | New York Mets | SP | 11/11 | 4-2 | 3.77 | 60 |
| Anthony Kay | Toronto Blue Jays | SP | 3/3 | 0-1 | 5.79 | 13 |
| Simeon Woods Richardson | Toronto Blue Jays | SP | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Stats are for the 2019 season only, as Stroman did not play in the 2020 season.
The table shows that Stroman had the most starts and wins of the players traded, with a lower ERA and higher strikeout total than Kay. Woods Richardson did not play in the major leagues in 2019, so no stats are available for him.
However, he was a highly regarded pitching prospect at the time of the trade and has continued to progress through the minor leagues since joining the Blue Jays organization.
FAQs
Did Stroman have any injury issues during his time with the Mets?
Yes, Stroman missed some time in 2020 due to a left calf tear. However, he was able to return to the mound after missing only a few weeks.
How did Stroman perform in the shortened 2020 season?
Stroman did not pitch in the 2020 season due to concerns about COVID-19. He opted out of the season to prioritize the health and safety of his family.
Has Stroman re-signed with the Mets since the trade in 2019?
Yes, Stroman became a free agent after the 2020 season but re-signed with the Mets on a one-year contract for the 2021 season.
Was Stroman involved in any notable games or moments during his time with the Mets?
Stroman was the winning pitcher in the Mets’ first game back after the COVID-19 shutdown in July 2020. He also had a memorable start in August 2021, pitching 8 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the Dodgers in a game that the Mets won 2-1.
Conclusion
The trade that brought Marcus Stroman to the New York Mets in July 2019 was a calculated risk that paid off for the team.
Despite some criticism of the deal at the time, Stroman quickly established himself as a key member of the Mets’ starting rotation and helped spark a late-season surge that fell just short of a playoff berth.
Stroman’s consistent performance, leadership, and competitive edge were all valuable contributions to the Mets during his time with the team.
While the long-term impact of the trade remains to be seen, it is clear that Stroman was a positive addition to the Mets in 2019 and provided a significant boost to the team’s chances of making the playoffs.
