Washington Nationals Re-Sign Stephen Strasburg to Record-Breaking Deal
The Washington Nationals have re-signed starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg to a seven-year, $245 million contract. Strasburg’s deal surpasses the previous high for a pitcher’s contract held by David Price when he signed a seven-year, $217 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Strasburg also has the highest annual average value, exceeding Zack Greinke‘s $31.5 million. Jeff Passan was the first to report the agreement.
Stephen Strasburg’s deal with the Washington Nationals is for seven years and $245 million, a source tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2019
In 2019, Strasburg put together an 18-6 record, 3.32 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 1.04 WHIP, and 251 strikeouts in 209 innings pitched. He also finished 5-0 in the postseason and allowed just eight earned runs over 36.1 innings to help the Nationals win their first World Series title. As a result, he was named the World Series MVP. In his 10-year tenure with the Nationals, he has compiled a 112-58 record, 3.17 ERA, 2.96 FIP, 1.09 WHIP, and 1,695 strikeouts in 1,438.2 innings.
Nationals Outlook
After winning the World Series last season, the Nationals had some questions regarding the free agency of Strasburg and third-baseman Anthony Rendon. Now that the Nationals have locked up Strasburg, they will have to decide what to do about Rendon. At this point, it seems likely that Rendon will not be returning to Washington for the 2020 season. If that were to be the case, it would be the second straight season that Washington let a star position player walk. Last season it was Bryce Harper leaving DC to head to the division rival Philadelphia Phillies.
This move emphasizes the Nationals’ desire to have a strong rotation. Since Max Scherzer has just two years left on his contract and isn’t getting any younger, the Nationals signing of Strasburg appears to be the right decision. Losing a player like Rendon would certainly put a hole in the middle of the lineup, but the Nationals seem confident that they can find a suitable replacement.
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