That Balls Outta Here
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3 Dream free agent pitchers to upgrade the Phillies rotation

By Gabrielle Starr

Jun 6, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) reacts after a double play to end the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) reacts after a double play to end the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Phillies Marcus Stroman
Marcus Stroman (0) Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

The Philadelphia Phillies should target Marcus Stroman in free agency

Currently the Phillies’ division rival, Mets starter Marcus Stroman, would be a massive upgrade for any starting rotation.

After opting out of the shortened 2020 season, the 30-year-old righty finished 2021 with 3.4 WAR, and a 3.02 ERA over an MLB-leading 33 starts. It was his best season by ERA in any year in which he appeared in more than four games.

Stroman had a lower FIP and WHIP than his last season, and lowered his hits and walks rates as well. Despite fluctuations with juiced and un-juiced balls in MLB over the last few years, his HR-per-nine rate has stayed steady between 0.8-0.9 since 2016.

While the upcoming CBA negotiations might make this a moot point, Stroman actually took more walks as a batter (6.9%) than he issued (6.0%). He had five hits in 51 at-bats, including two doubles, two runs scored, an RBI. He even stole a base.

The one argument against going for Stroman is that the Phillies already have a righty-heavy rotation: Wheeler, Nola, Gibson, and Eflin, when he returns. Ranger Suárez is currently the sole lefty.

According to SNY, Stroman could be looking for as much as $25 million AAV, which the Phillies might balk at, but they shouldn’t. Stro is one of the most underrated arms and greatest minds in the game.

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