Pedro Strop

Strop was originally signed as an international free agent by the Colorado Rockies in 2002. Strop was a position player in the Rockies minor league system from 2002 to 2005, primarily playing shortstop. Strop moved from shortstop to pitching in 2006 due to posting poor hitting numbers.[1] His tenure in the Rockies organization ended with his release by the Rockies on September 19, 2008.

Strop was signed by the Texas Rangers as a free agent on September 23, 2008. On August 28, 2009 Pedro made his MLB debut and struck out his first batter, the Twins star catcher Joe Mauer. Pedro Strop appeared in seven games in 2009, pitching seven innings. He gave up six hits, six runs, and four walks and had an ERA of 7.71. He struck out nine batters as well.

Strop pitched one game in June 2010, on the second against the White Sox in which he struck out one batter, and walked a batter and went back to the minors. In a trade the Texas Rangers made that sent Bengie Molina to the team, Pedro Strop was rewarded with the empty roster spot. He pitched in three games before returning to the minors when other trades were made. As of his last appearance on July 9 against Baltimore, he appeared in four games overall in the 2010 season, pitching 3.2 innings while giving up three hits and a run. He has walked three batters and struck out three batters.

On August 31, 2011, Strop was traded from the Rangers to the Baltimore Orioles as the player to be named later in the trade for Mike Gonzalez.[2] He finished his 2011 season going 2–0 for Baltimore with a 0.73 ERA. His pitching success continued for the majority of 2012.Through August 15 of that season, Strop achieved a 1.20 ERA primarily as a set up man to closer Jim Johnson. But over the final six weeks of the season, Strop's ERA for that period was 7.24 with an OPS of .916.[3] He picked up a win against the Yankees pitching two innings in extra innings in the 2012 American League Division Series playoffs. After pitching well in the World Baseball Classic prior to the start of the 2013 season, Strop's late season 2012 struggles continued. In 29 games for the Orioles, Strop went 0–3 with a 7.25 ERA.[4] Baltimore crowds began to boo the reliever and Strop said of the booing, "They [the fans] don't care about players, they care about good results."[5] About two weeks after his comments, Strop was traded to the National League.

On July 2, 2013, Strop was traded along with Jake Arrieta to the Cubs in exchange for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. Strop has primarily served in the setup role for the Cubs. In 37 more appearances with the Cubs to finish 2013, Strop had a 2–2 record and a 2.83 ERA. Overall in 2013, combined with both teams, Strop made 66 total appearances with a 2–5 record and a 4.55 ERA.

In 2014, Strop made 65 appearances with a 2–4 record and a 2.21 ERA.

In 2015, Strop made 76 appearances with a 2–6 record, a 2.91 ERA, and 81 strikeouts.

In 2016, Strop made 54 appearances with a 2–2 record and a 2.85 ERA. The Cubs would eventually win the 2016 World Series, giving Strop his first World Series title.[6]

In 2017, Strop made 69 appearances with a 5–4 record, 65 strikeouts and a 2.83 ERA.

In 2018, Strop had one of his best seasons as a professional. He appeared in 60 games with a 6–1 record, 57 strikeouts, a career-high 13 saves, and a 2.26 ERA, the second best of his career.

In 2019, Strop had arguably his worst season as a professional. He appeared in only 50 games, his fewest since 2011. He finished the season with a 2–5 record, 49 strikeouts, 10 saves, and a 4.97 ERA, the worst of his career.[7]

On January 30th, 2020, Strop was signed by the Cincinnati Reds for a 1-year deal worth $1.8 million.[8]Strop was designated for assignment by the Reds on August 26, 2020 and released on August 31.

On September 4th, 2020, Strop signed a minor league contract to return to the Chicago Cubs.[9] He became a free agent on November 2, 2020.