The 2019 World Series MVP is staying in Washington.
Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals have come to terms on a long-term extension that will keep the pitcher in D.C. for seven seasons, according to Radio.com Sports MLB Insider Jon Heyman and confirmed by 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen.
Can confirm the #Nats have agreed to a brand new 7-year, $245M with Stephen Strasburg. The contract will likely make the 2019 WS MVP a lifetime National.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 9, 2019The Nationals will pay the 31-year-old starter $245 million over the seven years, according to The Washington Post's Jesse Dougherty and ESPN's Jeff Passan. This is the largest contract ever given to a pitcher in terms of total value and the average annual value ($35 million).
“Stephen Strasburg is one of the premier pitching talents of this generation,” Nats GM Mike Rizzo said. “His body of work this season and throughout his career proves that and the way he performed this Postseason was nothing short of brilliant. We are looking forward to having Stephen as a part of our team for many years to come.”
Dougherty added Strasburg's new deal contains deferred money, a full no-trade clause, no opts out, and no options on the end. USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale first reported more than $80 million of the $245 million will be deferred.
I'm told there are no opt outs in Stephen Strasburg's new 7-year, $245 deal with the Nationals. The club won't have to do this again with the 2009 1st-overall pick. He is under contract through his age 38 season.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 9, 2019It isn't all good news for Nats fans. The deal for Strasburg could likely signal the end of the Nationals' pursuit of third baseman Anthony Rendon after managing principal owner Mark Lerner said the team can't afford to re-sign both of the World Series heroes.
“We really can only afford to have one of those two guys,” Lerner told NBC Sports Washington last week. “They’re huge numbers. We already have a really large payroll to begin with, so we're pursuing them, we’re pursuing other free agents in case they decided to go elsewhere.”
“We are very excited to welcome Stephen Strasburg and his family back to the Washington Nationals,” Lerner said in a statement. “His tremendous talent, work ethic and leadership have been a staple of our organization since the day we selected him in the 2009 MLB Draft. We would not have won the 2019 World Series or accomplished everything we have these last 10 seasons if not for Stephen’s many contributions.”
Strasburg pitched to a 3.32 ERA over 209 innings during the 2019 regular season. He made six appearances in the Nats' postseason run, going 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA over 36.1 innings on his way to winning World Series MVP honors after a stellar start in Game 6 vs. the Houston Astros.
In his 10 seasons with Washington, after he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2009, Strasburg has a 112-58 record with a 3.17 ERA, 130 ERA+, and a 2.96 FIP. Strasburg was electric from his MLB debut when he struck out 14 batters.
Giving Stephen Strasburg $245M at 31 years old with his injury history is a risk. But it is a worthwhile and necessary risk.(1) You couldn't lose both he and Rendon in the same offseason.(2) He's become elite.(3) He's been more durable lately.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 9, 2019Thrilled Stras is back. Obviously no way of knowing if he'll stay healthy. Big risk. But ultimately couldn't afford to lose both he & Rendon. Of course they could afford Rendon too. But they aren't going to do both. Nats again err on the side of pitching. That's what they do.
— Eric Bickel (@EBJunkies) December 9, 2019Source: The terms of Stephen Strasburg's deal with the Nationals is seven years for $245 million.
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) December 9, 2019Stephen Strasburg’s deal with the Washington Nationals is for seven years and $245 million, a source tells ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 9, 2019Follow @BenKrimmel and @1067theFan on Twitter.
