Marcus Stroman has accepted the Mets' qualifying offer and will be back in Queens for the 2021 season.
The news was announced by Stroman on Twitter after first being reported by MMO, with Stroman saying he is "beyond excited" to be back.
Stroman, who opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, will earn $18.9 million this coming season.
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After announcing the news, Stroman also tweeted about Tuesday's news conference and new owner Steve Cohen.
"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"
Cohen responded shortly after:
"Marcus, That is great news . Looking forward to meeting you soon. I will call you over the next few days to thank you."
That Stroman will be returning is a boon for the Mets, who were in dire need of more certainty in a starting rotation that torpedoed their season in 2020.
Stroman will join Jacob deGrom and David Peterson in the 2021 rotation, with SNY's Andy Martino writing Wednesday that Stroman's return keeps the door open for a rotation that could feature a top three of deGrom, Stroman, and Trevor Bauer.
With the free agent market expected to be slow to develop and with teams likely spending less due to losses incurred due to the coronavirus pandemic, that Stroman accepted the QO should not come as a surprise.
For Stroman, he has a chance to build his value further during a contract year and hit the market after the season, when teams should be in better position financially.
For the Mets, they get a very good pitcher for one season and some very necessary rotation help.