NEW YORK — Pitcher Marcus Stroman accepted the New York Mets’ $18.9 million qualifying offer on Wednesday to stay with the team for 2021.
The 29-year-old right-hander did not play this year, missing the start of the shortened season in late July due to a torn left calf muscle, then announcing Aug. 10 he had opted out because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He announced his decision the day after new Mets owner Steven Cohen held an introductory news conference, Cohen bought the team last week from the Wilpon and Katz families for a baseball record $2.42 billion.
“After watching the presser, I’m beyond excited to play for you sir,” Stroman posted on Twitter. “I could feel the excitement and passion you’re going to bring daily. Let’s go be great!”
After watching the presser, I’m beyond excited to play for you sir. I could feel the excitement and passion you’re going to bring daily. Let’s go be great! @StevenACohen2
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) November 11, 2020
“Marcus, That is great news,” Cohen replied on Twitter. “Looking forward to meeting you soon. I will call you over the next few days to thank you.”
Stroman projects to be part of a rotation that includes two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, Seth Lugo and David Peterson. Noah Syndergaard will miss the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Stroman on Tuesday tweeted his displeasure with the White Sox for hiring Tony La Russa as manager. The right-hander, who might have been a top free agent target for the Sox, tweeted that the hiring of La Russa was ‘‘baffling’’ and that ‘‘no amount of money’’ would be enough to play for him.
Stroman was acquired by the Mets from Toronto on July 28, 2019, for left-hander Anthony Kay and minor league right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson. He went 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA in 11 starts for the Mets, leaving his career record at 51-47 with 3.76 ERA.
By opting out, he gave up a little more than $3,250,414 of $4,444,444 in prorated pay from his $12 million salary.
