MLB Free Agency: Stroman Accepts Offer from Mets, LeMahieu Rejects Yanks

Maybe the powers of Steve Cohen are indeed working already for the Mets.

Just a day after his introductory press conference as Mets owner where he expressed his desire to win and win immediately, free agent to be Marcus Stroman is coming back to the Mets.

Stroman accepted his one-year $18.9 million qualifying offer, and posted on Twitter that he is excited to be back in Queens for 2021, adding he is excited to play for Cohen.

Cohen responded via Twitter that he was happy to see the right-hander return to Flushing.

Stroman has had a very odd two-year stay with the Mets. He was acquired to much fanfare in 2019 from the Toronto Blue Jays in a move that stunned many. A lot of people thought Stroman would be heading to the Yankees instead. In 11 starts for the Mets in 2019, Stroman went 4-2 with a 3.77 ERA.

He was expected to be the Mets number 3 starter this year before COVID-19 hit. Once the season began in July Stroman opted out of playing, and many believed he was done with the Mets.

Not the case. Stroman will be back, and if he and Noah Syndergaard are back and healthy in 2021, the Mets will have 3/5 of a starting rotation that will look mighty impressive on paper. Is there a chance Trevor Bauer could join them? The Reds free agent is expected to be a target of President Sandy Alderson and whomever the Mets bring in as GM.

Meanwhile over in the Bronx, DJ LeMahieu declined his $18.9 million qualifying offer from the Yankees. This is not surprising. Not because he didn't enjoy himself in New York, quiet the contrary. LeMahieu put together back-to-back MVP caliber seasons for the Yankees and it is only natural he not accept the offer seeking a bigger, long term deal.

The Yankees could still sign him, but it will have to be a three to four year deal if they do.

In two years with the Yankees LeMahieu hit .336 with 268 hits, 36 homers and 129 RBI.

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