Stroman: “I’ve come to terms with it and I’m ready to dominate”

Always wearing his heart on his sleeve, starter Marcus Stroman had some words for fans, media and the front office during a scrum after his fantastic start Wednesday night.

The 28-year-old pitcher was clearly emotional after what could be his last start as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays and will most likely be his last start at Rogers Centre.

“This start could be my last outing here” said Stroman. “I’ve always been emotional, I feel like I’ve had a pretty good tenure as a Blue Jay, I feel like I’ve pitched pretty well in the best division in baseball.”

While rumours swirl on what team might be acquiring Stroman, he might in fact stay within the division and be on the Yankees roster as the July 31 trading deadline passes.

It almost feels like a forgone conclusion that he won’t be in Toronto once that deadline passes and any talk of a possible extension has been smothered.

“There’s been no willingness from the front office to sign me, so I’ve just come to terms with it and I’m ready to dominate, wherever that may be,” said Stroman.

What was assumed to be the case has been made clear by Stroman, there is no real talk between him and the Blue Jays in regards to an extension. As much as we can hope and dream about the pitcher staying in Toronto for his entire career, the front office doesn’t see this team realistically being competitive anytime soon and they will be moving on.

Stroman has been a part of the most memorable moments for the Blue Jays in recent memory, as he detailed when he felt the most pride to be a member of this team.

“Obviously ’15 and ’16 were whirlwind years, those are kind of the moments that will always hit home,” said Stroman. “I pitched Game 5 and I pitched the Wild Card game, so for Bautista’s homer and [Edwin]’s homer. Those are kind of the two scenes that will always have a lasting effect on my memory — how loud it was in those moments and how crazy the fans were. I will always be thankful for those times.”

A fan favourite everywhere he went, Stroman has realized how big of a reach this franchise has across the whole nation.

“I came in here, not knowing what I was getting into and kind of tip-toeing around being a Blue Jay and I’ve loved every second of it. Definitely huge thanks to the fans across the entire country,” said the 28-year-old.

He will be leaving within the next week and will be greatly missed on and off the field.

“I’m very thankful I’ve been a Blue Jay for this long and I think it was a perfect place to start my career and, like I said, I’m just trying to take it day-by-day and whatever happens, happens.”