The New York Mets are close to completing a trade to acquire All-Star pitcher Marcus Stroman from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the swap had not been finalized.
Stroman posted a tweet that read: “Toronto, I love you...forever!” It was followed by a Canadian flag.
A 28-year-old right-hander who made his first All-Star team this season, Stroman is 6-11 in 21 starts despite a 2.96 ERA that is fifth-best in the American League. He has a $7.4 million salary and is not eligible for free agency until after the 2020 season.
The 5-foot-7 Stroman is 47-45 with a 3.76 ERA in six big league seasons. He grew up on Long Island near Mets starter Steven Matz, about 50 miles from Citi Field.
Toronto's clubhouse was not opened to reporters after Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, and Stroman left the ballpark without speaking to media. Blue Jays spokesman Rich Griffin said Stroman was not taking the team charter to Kansas City.
New York (50-55) is six games back in the NL wild-card race, with six teams ahead for the two spots. With the trade deadline approaching Wednesday, this deal might lead to the Mets selling off a member of their current rotation, which includes Matz, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Jason Vargas and NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.
Syndergaard, Wheeler and perhaps Vargas appear the most likely to be traded. Mets scouts have recently watched Braves minor league teams, fueling talks of a possible deal.
Wheeler can become a free agent after this season, as can Vargas if his 2020 club option is not exercised. Syndergaard and Matz can become free agents after the 2021 season, and deGrom is signed through 2023.
Stroman was a prep star at Patchogue-Medford High School on Long Island before attending Duke University. On April 16, 2009, he pitched against Matz, who was on Ward Melville High in East Setauket.
