Marcus Stroman Opts Out of 2020 Season

Marcus Stroman, who has missed the entirety of the 2020 season thus far, has opted out of the remainder of the season due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related reasons.

The RHP said the calf injury he sustained right before the start of the season did not impact his decision to forego playing.

Marcus Stroman has announced that he'll be opting out of the 2020 MLB season: pic.twitter.com/UMfDYAvAFg

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 10, 2020

Stroman, 29, was acquired in a trade between the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays last season in exchange for two top-10 prospects, Simeon Woods Richardson and Anthony Kay. His contract is set to expire and he will enter free agency at the end of the season.

“I truly enjoyed showing up to work each and every day and being a part of this,” Stroman said during a press conference on Monday afternoon. “However it may play out in the future, obviously I would love to be a part of what they have going on.”

Marcus Stroman on his future with the Mets:

"However it might play out, obviously I would love to be a part of what they have going on…I can't say enough good things about my time here" pic.twitter.com/AHmLml1QGc

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 10, 2020

Stroman said the decision was weighing on him, but after sitting down with his family knew what was best for him and them.

pic.twitter.com/I1bAa4MUFk

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) August 10, 2020

In his year with the Mets, Stroman posted a 4-2 record with a 3.77 ERA.

Stroman is the second player to opt out for the Mets, making his announcement eight days after Yoenis Céspedes opted out. 

The Mets will likely have to call someone up as a starter, with Michael Wacha on the injured list due to inflammation in his right shoulder, and having already called up David Peterson.

(Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)