Cubs' Stroman: 'I want to be here and I want an extension'

Chicago Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman would prefer to stay on the North Side instead of potentially testing free agency this winter.

Stroman, who can exercise an opt-out clause after this season, had preliminary extension discussions with the Cubs during the spring, sources told Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times.

"I've been open with the front office here, been very vocal that I want to be here and I want an extension, that I don't want to honestly make it to free agency," Stroman said. "But I'm also very confident in my abilities in free agency. I've always bet on myself."

Chicago signed Stroman to a three-year, $71-million contract in December 2021.

"I love going out into the buzz at Wrigley every time I go out (to) pitch every fifth day," Stroman added. "The organization top down, how they handle the players, how they handle the families, how they operate, I love everything about it. So, I would love to be a Cub for, honestly, the rest of my career, and sign one more deal and be done."

Stroman owns a 3.19 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 163 strikeouts over 186 innings (33 starts) since joining the Cubs. The 32-year-old has authored a 2.28 ERA over eight starts this year.