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According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Washington Nationals have opened up their checkbook once again to ink a starting pitcher to a gargantuan deal. This time, it’s homegrown right-hander Stephen Strasburg.
#nationals and stephen strasburg have a deal for a $175 million, seven year extension…. story: https://t.co/ygsIyLeXUl
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 10, 2016
Strasburg, 27, was set to be a free agent after the season. And until today, it was unclear whether or not the Nationals would be able to afford to sign him long term with Max Scherzer‘s deal (seven years, $210 million) already on the books, and Bryce Harper slated to break the bank at some point over the next three seasons.
Strasburg is 59-37 with a 3.06 ERA over 138 career starts for the Nationals. He began his career in 2010 as one of the most hyped pitching prospects of all time, and got off to a fast start (5-3, 2.91 ERA in 12 starts) but ultimately tore a ligament in his pitching elbow that required Tommy John surgery. He made a brief return late in 2011, and has been fairly healthy ever since.
Apparently, a number of deferrals are included in the deal.
strasburg deal expected to include deferrals #nats
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 10, 2016
Strasburg will also have multiple chances to opt out.
Strasburg has a “rolling” opt out, after years 3 and 4
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 10, 2016
The Nationals have pulled out all the stops in recent years, and have once again showcased their willingness to do anything and everything it takes to cement the franchise’s first World Series win. One must assume extending Strasburg also increases Washington’s chances of keeping the aforementioned Harper with the organization for his entire career.
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