3 former Mets players putting up huge spring training numbers

2. Marcus Stroman

Perhaps the most polarizing player in baseball is backing up his words with a great performance. After leaving the Mets in free agency, Stroman signed a 3-year contract worth $71 million with the Chicago Cubs in 2021. He seemed like a steal, pitching to a 3.50 ERA in 138.2 innings in 2022. His statistics were very reflective of his performance with the Mets, only allowing 36 walks and 16 home runs across 25 starts.

With an opt-out in his contract looming, Stroman put together an all-star caliber performance in the first half of 2023. In 112.2 innings pitched, Stroman had a 2.96 ERA with 98 strikeouts. However, his second half was anemic due to injury as his ERA ballooned to 8.63 ERA in just 24 innings pitched. Regardless of his September performance, Stroman opted out of his contract and signed with the New York Yankees for 2-years $37 million.

Suffice it to say, Stroman is proving to be more like the pitcher from the first half of 2023 than the second half. In 10.1 innings pitched, the Long Island native has a 1.74 ERA with 7 strikeouts. From watching Stroman in 2021, we know he performs well under pressure and always pitches with a chip on his shoulder. Given his history on social media with both New York fanbases and with Brian Cashman, this spring training means more to Stroman than any other.