Marcus Stroman Comments on Pitching Under Pressure as New York Trade Rumors Swirl

Toronto Blue Jays ace Marcus Stroman has gone about his business this season amid a plethora of trade discussion. Despite frequent reports regarding the potential of Stroman being shipped South of the Canadian border, he's managed to put together perhaps the best season of his young career.

With a series against the Yankees looming and New York reporters hounding him with questions about the rumors, the 28-year-old finally had the chance to comment on the situation.

That should be good to hear for Yankees fans, who hope Stroman brings his talents to New York prior to the July 31 trade deadline. If there's one quality a New York pitcher needs to be successful, it's the ability to thrive under pressure; just ask Matt Harvey, who saw the highs and lows of that reality better than just about anyone during his time as a Met.

Stroman has had an up-and-down career so far, as a promising start to his career was disrupted by a torn ACL in 2015. Since then, he's been inconsistent, but he's been very good so far this season after a brutal 2018.

In 17 starts for the Blue Jays this year, he's put together a 3.04 ERA (albeit with a 5-9 record that is more an indictment of his teammates than his own performance), and he seems to have begun reaching the potential he showed prior to his ACL tear.

Plus, he's garnered the hatred of Red Sox fans, which should serve him well if he does end up with the Yanks.

All-in-all, Stroman would be a great get for any team looking for pitching help in advance of a potential World Series run. His performance this season and comments about pitching under pressure should only inspire confidence in his potential suitors.