The Toronto Blue Jays traded right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman to the New York Mets for a pair of minor leaguers, both teams announced via Twitter on Sunday.
The Blue Jays will send cash along with Stroman to the Mets in exchange for left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay and righty Simeon Woods Richardson.
Shortly after news of the trade broke, Stroman, who was raised on Long Island sent a series of Tweets. In one, he posted a photo of himself as a child and explained his happiness to be back in New York.
“NEW YORK! Where I was born. Where my heart lies. Where my family resides. Crazy excited for this part of my journey. Some things were meant to be!” the tweet read.
In another, he thanked Toronto and Canada.
“CANADA. TORONTO. Words can’t really explain the extent of my appreciation and love. Beyond thankful and blessed to have played for this unbelievable nation. Thank you for your constant support, love, and loyalty. I’ll be back plenty in the future!” that one read.
The New York Yankees, who need help in the starting rotation, were believed to be a possible landing spot for Stroman.
The 28-year-old Stroman has a 6-11 record and a 2.96 ERA in 21 starts this season. He was selected to his first All-Star team this year. In six seasons with the Blue Jays, Stroman is 47-45 with a 3.76 ERA in 789 2/3 innings.
By the time the trade deadline passes on Wednesday, Stroman could be the No. 2 pitcher in the Mets’ rotation behind Jacob deGrom. The Mets are fielding offers for starters Noah Syndergaard and Zach Wheeler.
Stroman is under contract for $7.4 million this season and can become an unrestricted free agent in 2021.
Kay, 24, was drafted twice by the Mets. After failing to sign Kay after taking him in the 29th round in 2013, the Mets selected him with the 31st overall pick in 2016 out of the University of Connecticut. MLB.com rated Kay the No. 4 prospect in the Mets organization. He is 8-6 with a 3.13 ERA in 19 starts across Double-A and Triple-A this season. He has 96 strikeouts in 97 2/3 innings pitched in 2019.
Woods Richardson was rated the Mets’ No. 6 prospect by MLB.com. The 18-year-old was taken in the second round in 2018. This season, he is 3-8 with a 5.06 ERA in 20 starts with Class-A Columbia. He has 97 strikeouts in just 78 1/3 innings.
