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Pedro Strop
Pedro Strop
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Pedro Ángel Strop (born June 13, 1985) is a Dominican former professional baseball pitcher. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs.

Key Information

Career

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Colorado Rockies

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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.

Texas Rangers

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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 walked three batters and struck out three batters.

Baltimore Orioles

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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.

Chicago Cubs

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On July 2, 2013, Strop was traded along with Jake Arrieta to the Cubs in exchange for Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger. Strop 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.

2014 season

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

2015 season

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

2016 season

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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]

2017 season

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

2018 season

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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.

2019 season

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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]

Cincinnati Reds

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On January 30, 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.

Chicago Cubs (second stint)

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On September 4, 2020, Strop signed a minor league contract to return to the Chicago Cubs. He joined the team at their alternate training site but did not join the big league team.[9] He became a free agent on November 2.[10]

On February 27, 2021, Strop re-signed with the Cubs organization on a minor league contract that included a Spring Training invitation. If he made the major league roster, the contract would give him $800,000 in salary.[11][12] On April 12, Strop was selected to the active roster.[13] Strop was removed from the 40-man roster on April 17 after 2 scoreless innings in 2 appearances.[13] On May 5, Strop requested and was granted his release from the organization.[14]

Sultanes de Monterrey

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On June 24, 2021, Strop signed with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican League.[15] Strop made 12 appearances for Monterrey, logging a 3.21 ERA with 16 strikeouts and three saves in 14 innings pitched. He was released by the team on March 1, 2022.[16]

On May 6, 2023, Strop announced via Twitter that he was attempting a comeback.[17]

Toros de Tijuana

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On May 16, 2023, Strop signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.[18] In 40 games for Tijuana, he compiled a 4–5 record and 4.38 ERA with 51 strikeouts across 39 innings pitched. Strop became a free agent following the season.

International career

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Strop was born in the Dominican Republic to a Curaçaoan father, making him eligible to represent the Dominican Republic, Curaçao, and the Netherlands in international competition.[19] In 2013, Strop pitched as a reliever in the World Baseball Classic for the championship-winning Dominican Republic.

At the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Strop represented the Netherlands.[20]

Hat orientation

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Strop is known for the unique way he wears his hat while pitching, slightly crooked to his left, similar to that of Fernando Rodney. Strop has said, "It goes back to when I was a little kid ... If you see pictures of me in baseball or out of baseball, my hat is like that or backwards."[21]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pedro Ángel Strop (born June 13, 1985) is a Dominican who played as a in (MLB) for 13 seasons.
Originally signed by the Colorado Rockies as a non-drafted international on January 25, 2002, Strop transitioned from to in the before joining the Texas Rangers organization in 2008. He made his MLB debut with the Rangers on August 28, 2009, and later played for the Baltimore Orioles (2011–2013), Chicago Cubs (2013–2019 and 2021), and (2020).
Strop was acquired by the Cubs in a pivotal 2013 trade from , alongside , in exchange for and ; this deal is often credited with bolstering the Cubs' during their rebuild. During his primary tenure with from 2013 to 2019, he emerged as a reliable , appearing in a team-high 76 games in and earning 13 saves in while posting a 2.26 ERA that year. Strop contributed to the Cubs' championship, pitching in multiple postseason games during their title run. Across his MLB career, Strop appeared in 561 games, compiling a record of 29 wins and 30 losses with a 3.20 , 554 strikeouts, and a 1.17 over 505.2 . After his last MLB appearance in 2021, he has continued playing in winter leagues and international competitions, including for the in the .

Early life and career

Early life in the

Pedro Strop was born on June 13, 1985, in . He grew up in the same city, immersing himself in the local scene from a young age. Strop is the father of Royelny Strop, a left-handed prospect born on June 4, 2008, who signed an international contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in January 2025. During his childhood, Strop developed a strong interest in , playing primarily as a in local leagues—a position revered in the as the one most kids aspire to due to its demands for skill and athleticism. Like many youths in San Cristóbal and across the , where more than 30% of the population lived in during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Strop viewed as a vital pathway to socioeconomic mobility and a chance to escape economic hardship. This pursuit reflected the broader cultural significance of the sport in the country, where it serves as both a national passion and an economic lifeline for families in modest circumstances.

Signing and minor leagues with the Rockies

Strop signed with the Colorado Rockies as an undrafted international free agent on January 25, 2002, at the age of 17, for a of $50,000, initially as a . He made his professional debut that summer in the with the DSL Rockies, where he played infield positions while adapting to organized baseball. Throughout his first four seasons as a from 2003 to 2005—spanning and short-season A-ball—Strop struggled offensively, batting just .208 with 199 strikeouts across 161 games, highlighting persistent issues with plate and contact. Due to his offensive struggles, the Rockies converted Strop to a in 2006, a move that capitalized on his strong arm. That year, he transitioned effectively in his pitching debut, appearing in 22 games split between the -level Casper Rockies (2.08 , 22 strikeouts in 13 ) and low-A (4.73 , 13 strikeouts in 13.1 ), finishing with a combined 3.42 and 35 strikeouts over 26.1 . Promoted to Modesto Nuts in 2007, Strop solidified his role in the , making 48 relief appearances with a 4.28 , 75 strikeouts, and seven saves across 54.2 , demonstrating improved command and velocity in the mid-90s. He earned further advancement to Double-A Tulsa Drillers in 2008, where he pitched seven games with an impressive 2.57 , seven strikeouts, and three saves in seven before the season's end. Despite these developments and prospect rankings within the organization, Strop was released by the Rockies on September 19, 2008, after six professional seasons without a major league call-up.

Major League Baseball career

Texas Rangers

Strop signed with the Texas Rangers as a minor league free agent on November 7, 2008, following his release from the Colorado Rockies organization. Previously converted from an infielder to a pitcher during his minor league tenure with the Rockies, he spent the early part of 2009 in the Rangers' minor league system, primarily with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders and Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks, before earning a call-up to the majors. Strop made his major league debut on August 28, 2009, against the of Anaheim, entering in during a 7-6 Rangers victory. In that appearance, he pitched one scoreless inning, allowing one hit and striking out one batter. Over the remainder of the 2009 season, he made six more outings, finishing with a 7.71 and nine strikeouts in seven . In 2010, Strop continued in a middle relief role for the Rangers, appearing in 15 games and logging 10.2 innings with an 10.13 ERA and 11 strikeouts, while not factoring into any decisions. Across his two initial seasons in (2009-2010), he totaled 22 relief appearances, a 0-0 record, a 9.00 ERA, and 20 strikeouts in 17 innings, establishing himself as a power-armed but inconsistent option in the . Following the 2010 season, Strop remained with the Rangers organization into 2011 but saw limited major league action before being optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on May 4, 2011.

Baltimore Orioles

Pedro Strop joined the Baltimore Orioles on September 1, 2011, when the team claimed him off waivers from the Texas Rangers to complete a trade that had sent reliever Mike Gonzalez to Texas earlier that summer. In his brief appearance with Baltimore that year, Strop posted an impressive 0.73 ERA over 12.1 innings in 12 relief outings, striking out 12 batters while allowing just one earned run. This strong finish helped secure him a spot on the Opening Day roster for the 2012 season, marking his transition to a more consistent major league role after limited opportunities with the Rangers. Over his three seasons with from 2011 to 2013, Strop established himself as a reliable setup reliever, compiling a 5-7 record with a 3.13 and 94 strikeouts in 100.2 across 111 appearances. His most impactful year came in , when he went 5-2 with a 2.44 in 70 games, earning 24 holds and three saves while limiting opponents to a .211 ; this performance was crucial during Baltimore's playoff push, as reached the for the first time since 1997. In the postseason, Strop contributed significantly by pitching 3.2 scoreless across three appearances, including earning the win in Game 4 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees after a 13-inning marathon that forced a decisive fifth game. However, his 2013 season was marred by control issues and a lower back strain that sidelined him for over a month, resulting in a 7.25 over 22.1 before his departure. Strop's effectiveness with stemmed from refinements to his pitch repertoire, particularly an increased emphasis on his and sinker to induce ground balls and limit hard contact. In , he threw his more frequently to disrupt hitters' timing, complementing his mid-90s , while leaning on the sinker for movement that elevated his groundball rate to 64.3%—a notable jump from 56.4% the previous year. This evolution helped transform him from a fringe major leaguer into a trusted late-inning option, with his aggressive approach in the reducing walks and boosting his overall command. On July 2, 2013, traded Strop and starting pitcher to the Cubs in a four-player deal that brought right-hander and catcher to , along with two international signing bonus slots. This move came amid Strop's struggles that season but capped a period in which he had solidified his value as a high-leverage reliever for the ' resurgent .

Chicago Cubs first stint

Strop was acquired by the Chicago Cubs from the Baltimore Orioles on July 2, 2013, in a trade that also brought to Chicago in exchange for and . Upon arrival, he quickly established himself as a reliable setup reliever behind closer , posting a 2-2 record with a 2.83 in 37 appearances to close out the season. Strop's performance peaked during several standout seasons with the Cubs. In 2015, he made a career-high 76 appearances, finishing with a 2-6 record and a 2.91 ERA while recording 81 strikeouts over 68 innings. The following year, 2016, saw him contribute to the Cubs' World Series championship with a 2-2 record and 2.85 ERA in 54 regular-season games; in the postseason, he appeared in eight contests across the NLCS and World Series, allowing two earned runs over 5⅔ innings for a 3.18 ERA, including two scoreless innings in three World Series outings. In 2017, Strop ended the year 5-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 69 appearances and 65 strikeouts in 60⅓ innings. Over his first stint with the Cubs from 2013 to 2019, Strop appeared in 411 games, compiling a 21-24 record with a 3.02 , 417 strikeouts, and 28 saves in 409.1 . His consistency helped anchor the during the team's contention years, though injuries began to impact his availability. In 2018, Strop earned his first selection as a National League representative and posted a 6-1 record with a 2.26 in 60 appearances; a left strain suffered on September 13 while limited him in the final weeks, before missing the rest of the regular season. Strop's production declined in 2019 amid ongoing health issues, as he posted a 2-5 record with a 4.97 in 50 appearances and 49 strikeouts over 41⅔ innings. Following the season, the Cubs did not re-sign him, and he entered free agency.

Cincinnati Reds

On January 30, 2020, Pedro Strop signed a one-year contract with the worth $1.825 million, with incentives that could increase the total value to $3.5 million based on games pitched and performance milestones. The deal was finalized after Strop passed a physical on February 5, 2020. Seeking to join a contending team in the following his successful prior stint with the Chicago Cubs, Strop aimed to bolster the Reds' bullpen as a veteran setup reliever. The was shortened to 60 games due to the , and Strop appeared in four games for the Reds, posting a 0-0 record with a 3.86 , three strikeouts, and one hold over 2.1 . Primarily serving in middle relief and high-leverage situations early in the season, Strop's role was limited by a right strain that placed him on the 10-day on August 11, 2020. He recorded a hold on August 4 against the Cleveland Indians, navigating a bases-loaded jam without allowing an earned run. The Reds finished the season with a 31-29 record, third in the NL Central, and were eliminated from postseason contention on September 26, 2020, denying Strop any playoff opportunities. Strop was activated from the injured list on August 26 but was immediately designated for assignment; he was released on August 31, becoming a free agent after earning $675,250 from his contract.

Chicago Cubs second stint

Strop signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on February 27, 2021, receiving an invitation to as a non-roster invitee, aiming to revive his career after injury setbacks and a brief stint with the in 2020 where he made four appearances with a 3.86 ERA. The deal was worth $800,000 if he made the major league roster, reflecting the Cubs' interest in reuniting with the reliever who had been a key part of their 2016 World Series-winning bullpen. The Cubs selected Strop's contract from Triple-A Iowa on April 12, 2021, adding him to the major league roster. He appeared in two games that month, earning a win in his debut on April 14 against the Brewers by pitching a scoreless , and his final MLB came on April 16 versus the , where he again threw a scoreless frame with two strikeouts. Over those 2.0 innings, Strop posted a 1-0 record, 0.00 ERA, and three strikeouts while issuing two walks, serving as a brief presence in a Cubs that ranked among the league's worst early in the season with ongoing reliability issues. On May 4, 2021, Strop elected free agency after being outrighted to the minors, concluding his 13-year MLB career that began with the Texas Rangers in 2009. Reflecting on the return to , where he had spent his most successful years from 2013 to 2019, Strop expressed sentimentality about ending his time with the organization, stating during , "This is my home," underscoring the emotional closure of rejoining the team that defined his peak achievements.

Later professional career

Mexican League

After electing free agency from the Chicago Cubs in May 2021, Strop signed with the of the on July 2, 2021. In 12 appearances that season, he posted a 0-2 record with a 3.21 , recording three saves and striking out 16 batters over 14 . Strop was released by the Sultanes on December 27, 2021. Strop attempted a comeback at age 38 by signing with the on May 16, 2023. Appearing in 40 games exclusively out of the , he finished 4-5 with a 4.38 , allowing 19 earned runs in 39 innings while fanning 51 batters and issuing 12 walks. This stint helped maintain his active status, positioning him for potential international play. Throughout his time in the Mexican League, Strop adapted to a league featuring a in both divisions and a regular season of approximately 90-114 games depending on the year, compared to 's 162-game structure, competing against a mix of former MLB players and local talent in high-altitude venues like Monterrey's Estadio de Béisbol.

Winter leagues

Following his departure from after the 2021 season, Pedro Strop has actively participated in the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana (LIDOM) to maintain his pitching form and extend his professional career. He joined the for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, serving as a key veteran reliever in high-leverage situations during the regular season and playoffs, posting a 3.55 over 12.2 in 13 appearances in 2022. In these campaigns, Strop's experience from over a decade in MLB helped stabilize the , contributing to Escogido's competitive efforts in the round-robin and postseason rounds. Strop continued his LIDOM involvement with the in the 2023-24 season after signing as a in March 2023, where he again filled a veteran reliever role, appearing in relief outings to provide late-inning stability. He remained with for the 2024-25 season, assigned on October 16, 2024, and recorded saves during the regular season, including one on October 28, 2024, against the . In the 2025-26 LIDOM season, amid his status as a free agent without an MLB contract, Strop signed with the as a reliever on March 18, 2025, alongside fellow Jhan Maríñez to bolster the . He was officially assigned to the team on October 15, 2025. This participation underscores Strop's role as a seasoned closer and in LIDOM, where his MLB pedigree enhances team depth and provides mentorship to younger Dominican players. Strop's consistent winter league engagements have supported his career at age 40, allowing him to remain competitive in while increasing his visibility among scouts and international clubs, similar to his prior stints in the Mexican League.

International career

2013 World Baseball Classic

Pedro Strop was selected to represent the on the roster for the (WBC), marking his debut in international tournament play while serving as a reliever for the Baltimore Orioles in . In the tournament, Strop appeared in six relief outings for the , posting a 3–0 record with a 0.00 over 6⅔ scoreless . He allowed just three hits and no walks while striking out seven batters, including key outs in pool play against teams like , where he recorded a and groundout to escape a scoring threat before pitching a clean sixth . The advanced through pool play undefeated and secured the championship with a 3–0 shutout victory over in the final at AT&T Park in . Strop's contributions were part of a dominant effort that helped deliver the nation's first WBC title, with the team relying on preparation during amid Strop's ongoing role with .

2023 World Baseball Classic

Strop represented the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the at age 37, marking a switch from the Dominican Republic national team he had pitched for a decade earlier. Born in , to a father, Strop qualified for the Dutch squad through his paternal heritage, as is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the . He joined the preliminary roster in January 2023 and was confirmed on the final 30-man roster announced on February 9. Selected as a veteran reliever to bolster the bullpen alongside Kenley Jansen, Strop did not record an appearance during the tournament, which occurred amid his efforts to revive his professional career following a three-year absence from Major League Baseball. The Netherlands competed in Pool A, defeating Cuba 4–2 and Panama 3–1 while losing to Chinese Taipei 9–5 and Italy 7–1, finishing with a 2–2 record. Despite tying Italy, Panama, and Chinese Taipei at 2–2, the Dutch were eliminated in the first round on tiebreaker rules of fewest runs allowed per defensive out, with Cuba and Italy advancing to the quarterfinals.

Personal life and playing style

Family and background

Pedro Strop was born on June 13, 1985, in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, to a Curaçaoan father, which instilled in him strong cultural ties to both Dominican heritage and Dutch Antillean roots, making him eligible to represent multiple nations in international competition. Strop was born in San Cristóbal. As a , Strop has prioritized , notably supporting his Royelny Strop, a left-handed hitting born on June 4, 2008, who signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in January 2025 for a $1.4 million bonus, highlighting the next generation's pursuit of dreams. Strop actively trains with his in the , emphasizing and bonding amid Royelny's emerging professional path. Residing in the following his MLB tenure, Strop has focused on family life while remaining involved in baseball through winter leagues, such as his assignment to the in October 2025. His personal resilience shines through in balancing career transitions and family responsibilities, maintaining an unwavering positive outlook rooted in faith and community. In terms of , Strop established the Believe By Strop Foundation, to which he donates proceeds from personal appearances, and in 2025, construction began on the Believe Strop Academy in , , aimed at developing young baseball talent. He has also committed to mentoring youth on road safety in the .

Hat orientation

Pedro Strop is renowned for his distinctive habit of wearing his tilted slightly to the left while pitching. This quirk originated in his childhood in the , where he began playing organized baseball in local leagues, and old photographs show him sporting the tilted cap even as a young boy. Throughout his professional career, Strop maintained this style, which evolved into a signature trait that caught the attention of fans and media alike during his MLB tenure, particularly with the Chicago Cubs starting in 2013. He described it as a longstanding personal habit, stating, "It goes back to when I was a little kid... I think that's mine," emphasizing it as simply his unique way of wearing the cap without deeper intent. Strop attributed the tilt primarily to comfort and familiarity rather than or performance enhancement, noting it had no bearing on his effectiveness on the but contributed to his fiery and intense presence as a reliever. The habit drew mixed reactions, including criticism from some fans on social media and fines from his Texas Rangers pitching coach in 2009–2011 for not straightening it, though Cubs manager embraced it as part of Strop's individuality. The tilted cap received notable media coverage during Strop's time with the Cubs, including features in team broadcasts and interviews that highlighted his colorful persona amid the run, where his relief appearances underscored the team's high-stakes intensity. Ultimately, this trait became a lasting symbol of Strop's passionate and unapologetic playing style, endearing him to supporters who emulated it during games.

References

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