The Rise and Fall of Pedro Strop: A Closer Look at His MLB Career

Pedro Strop is a talented relief pitcher who has played in the major leagues for over a decade. Strop was born in the Dominican Republic and signed with the Texas Rangers in 2002. After a few years in the Rangers’ minor league system, Strop was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2011. He quickly established himself as a key member of the Orioles’ bullpen, and he continued to pitch well for several more seasons. However, in recent years, Strop’s performance has declined. In this article, we will take a closer look at Pedro Strop’s MLB career and examine the factors that contributed to his rise and fall.

1. Early Years and Minor League Success

Pedro Strop began his professional baseball career in the Texas Rangers’ minor league system. He spent several years working his way up through the ranks, and he was eventually promoted to the big leagues in 2009. However, Strop struggled in his limited MLB appearances, and he was quickly sent back down to the minors. Despite these early struggles, Strop continued to work hard and refine his skills. In 2010, Strop had a breakthrough season in the minors. He posted a 1.99 ERA and struck out 12.3 batters per nine innings in 52 appearances. This success paved the way for Strop’s eventual return to the majors.

2. Arrival in Baltimore

In 2011, the Baltimore Orioles acquired Pedro Strop in a trade with the Texas Rangers. Strop quickly made a name for himself in Baltimore thanks to his dominant fastball and devastating slider. He proved to be a key piece of the Orioles’ bullpen, and he helped the team make a surprise run to the playoffs in 2012. Strop continued to pitch well in Baltimore for several more seasons, and he became one of the team’s most reliable relief pitchers.

3. Trade to the Cubs

Despite his success in Baltimore, Pedro Strop was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2015. The trade was part of a larger deal that also sent former Orioles star Jake Arrieta to Chicago. Strop initially struggled to adjust to his new team, but he eventually found his footing in the Cubs’ bullpen. Strop’s success in Chicago continued for several more seasons, and he played a key role in the team’s historic World Series victory in 2016.

4. Injury Troubles

In 2018, Pedro Strop began to experience some injury troubles. He landed on the disabled list twice due to hamstring issues, and he also dealt with some shoulder soreness later in the season. Despite these setbacks, Strop continued to pitch well when he was healthy, and he remained an important part of the Cubs’ bullpen.

5. Decline in Performance

Unfortunately, Pedro Strop’s performance began to decline in 2019. He struggled with his command and gave up more hits and walks than in previous seasons. His ERA ballooned to 4.97, which was his highest since his rookie year in 2009. The decline continued in 2020, as Strop struggled in his limited appearances during the shortened season.

6. Age and Durability Concerns

Pedro Strop is now 36 years old, which is relatively old for a relief pitcher. He has also dealt with some injury issues in recent years, which has raised concerns about his durability. Additionally, Strop’s declining performance has led some to question whether he can still be an effective MLB pitcher.

7. Possible Retirement

As of this writing, Pedro Strop is a free agent and has not signed with a team for the 2021 season. Some have speculated that he may choose to retire rather than continue to pitch in the majors. Strop has had a long and successful career, and he may decide that it’s time to hang up his cleats and enjoy retirement.

8. Legacy and Impact

Regardless of whether he chooses to retire or continue playing, Pedro Strop has left his mark on the MLB. He has been a key part of several successful teams, and he has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans. Strop’s dominant fastball and slider have made him a feared opponent for many batters, and his success has inspired countless aspiring young pitchers.

Conclusion

Pedro Strop’s rise and fall in the MLB has been a fascinating journey. From his early struggles in the minors to his dominant performances on playoff teams, Strop has seen it all. While his recent decline has been disappointing, Strop will always be remembered as a talented and hardworking pitcher who made a significant impact on the game of baseball.

FAQs

1. What teams did Pedro Strop play for in the MLB?

Pedro Strop has played for several MLB teams throughout his career, including the Texas Rangers, the Baltimore Orioles, and the Chicago Cubs.

2. What is Pedro Strop’s signature pitch?

Pedro Strop is known for his dominant fastball and his devastating slider. These two pitches have been the keys to his success as a relief pitcher.

3. How many years has Pedro Strop played in the MLB?

Pedro Strop has played in the MLB for over a decade. He made his debut with the Texas Rangers in 2009 and has played for several teams since then.

4. Has Pedro Strop won any awards?

While Pedro Strop has not won any major awards, he has been a key part of several successful teams. He helped the Baltimore Orioles make the playoffs in 2012, and he played a crucial role in the Chicago Cubs’ World Series victory in 2016.

5. Will Pedro Strop continue to play in the MLB?

As of this writing, Pedro Strop is a free agent and has not signed with a team for the 2021 season. It is unclear whether he will choose to retire or continue pitching in the majors.