Marcus Stroman opts out of final year of Cubs deal while White Sox decline Tim Anderson’s $14M option

CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans were already aware of the upcoming changes in the 2024 season, and on Saturday, they received news that two former All-Stars will be leaving town.

According to multiple reports, Cubs starter Marcus Stroman has opted out of the final season of his three-year, $71 million contract. Simultaneously, the Sox declined Tim Anderson’s option, making the shortstop a free agent.

While these moves were not shocking, Stroman’s departure is noteworthy due to his $21 million salary in 2024. However, his performance in the latter part of the season, which was marred by injuries, did not justify this price tag. Stroman, who is 32 years old, had an outstanding first half with a 9-6 record and a 2.96 ERA in 19 starts. He even earned an invitation to the All-Star Game, which he declined. Unfortunately, his hip injury and subsequent mysterious right rib cartilage fracture led to a disappointing 8.63 ERA and a 1-3 record in the second half. His inclusion in the rotation during the final stretch contributed to the Cubs’ collapse in their wild-card race. Notably, his two-inning appearance in a loss against Atlanta on September 28 virtually extinguished the Cubs’ chances of making the postseason.

On the other hand, the Sox’s decision to decline Anderson’s $14 million option is also expected. Instead of paying this amount, they opted for a $1 million buyout. Anderson, who is 30 years old, spent eight seasons with the Sox and showcased consistent performance. He amassed a .282 batting average along with 98 home runs, 338 RBIs, and 117 stolen bases in 895 games. The Sox initially selected Anderson with the No. 17 pick in the 2013 draft. His exceptional 2019 season, during which he led the majors with a .335 batting average and gained attention for his bat flips, solidified his status as the “face of the franchise” on Sox billboards. From 2019 to 2022, Anderson maintained an impressive .318 average and an .820 OPS. His walk-off home run in the Field of Dreams game against the New York Yankees in 2021 marked a memorable moment for the Sox during their rebuild.

Anderson continued to prove his excellence by being voted as a starter for the 2022 All-Star Game. However, his season was cut short due to surgery on his left hand in early August. Unfortunately, he experienced a career-worst season in 2023, hitting only .245 with one home run and 25 RBIs as part of a 101-loss team. Throughout the year, Anderson displayed signs of unhappiness. The decision to let him go for nothing indicates that the Sox did not believe he would fit into the clubhouse culture they are aiming to build. Additionally, Anderson faced a five-game suspension following a brawl with the Cleveland Guardians on August 5. On September 3, he achieved a career milestone by collecting his 1,000th hit at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Aside from Anderson, the Sox also declined the $15 million club option on closer Liam Hendriks. This decision includes a $15 million buyout that will be paid in ten equal installments from 2024 to 2033. Hendriks revealed in January that he was beginning treatment for stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After completing treatment on April 3 and announcing he was cancer-free on April 20, his comeback was unfortunately short-lived. He underwent Tommy John surgery on August 2, which typically requires a recovery time of 12-14 months, potentially causing him to miss most, if not all, of the 2024 season.

Furthermore, Sox starter Mike Clevinger declined his $12 million mutual option, and the team outrighted outfielders Clint Frazier and Trayce Thompson to Triple-A Charlotte.

The news about Stroman’s departure follows slugger Cody Bellinger’s rejection of his $25 million option with the Cubs. The 2019 NL MVP will now explore the free-agent market after a successful comeback season. Bellinger had a $12.5 million salary in 2023 and will receive a $5 million buyout.

In addition, the Cubs declined their end of a $5 million mutual option on veteran right-hander Brad Boxberger, who will receive an $800,000 buyout.

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Chicago Tribune reporter LaMond Pope and Tribune news services contributed.