In the Giants’ first spring training game, ace Logan Webb went toe-to-toe with Chicago Cubs star Marcus Stroman for two innings. Despite not having overpowering fastballs, both pitchers feature a sinker-slider combination that keeps hitters guessing.
And they were almost teammates.
Stroman, in a wide-ranging interview with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, revealed that he chose the Cubs over the Giants in free agency this winter. The Giants apparently made a strong impression on the righty with their recruitment pitch.
“To be honest, I love the Giants and everything about that organization,” Stroman told USA Today. “They were incredible. I was blown away. That organization is headed for great, great things. The people from the top down are incredible. They’re with it, man.”
It’s unclear exactly how close Stroman was to coming to the Bay, or exactly what the Giants offered him. Stroman inked his three-year, $71 million deal with the Cubs days after the Giants signed starter Alex Cobb. Perhaps San Francisco knew then that Stroman was headed to Chicago.
Had Stroman chosen the Giants instead, it’s possible SF’s offseason would have played out quite differently. The current front office hasn’t yet doled out a contract as big as $71 million; Carlos Rodón’s two-year, $44 million is the most lucrative deal the current regime has committed.
But Stroman, who posted a 3.02 ERA in a National League-high 33 starts last year, is a Cub. There is nonetheless respect between him and the Giants; after their Cactus League showdown, Stroman called Webb one of his three favorite pitchers in baseball.
“We’re kind of guys that don’t necessarily fit the mold of the pitcher today,” Stroman said after his start. “And to see his success last year is pretty incredible…He’s someone who always wants to learn. He’s someone who’s adapting, changing. I think he’s going to have an incredible career.”
The 30-year-old will hit free agency next in 2024. Perhaps then the Giants will again show interest. Stroman isn’t ruling out a stop in the Bay.
“I would love it at some point down the road to be a part of that team,” Stroman said of the Giants.