The New York Yankees will not have a shot at Stephen Strasburg now that he signed a $245 million contract with the Washington Nationals.
Reigning World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg will return to the Washington Nationals on a record free agency deal for a pitcher.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported Strasburg and Washington had agreed to terms on a new seven-year contract. Jeff Passan of ESPN added it would be for a record $245 million.
Strasburg deal is a record. 245M. 7 years. #nats
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019
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
Strasburg, 31, was drafted by Washington with the No. 1 pick in 2009. He went 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA last season and 251 strikeouts in 209 innings.
He was 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA in this postseason, including two clutch wins in the World Series.
After the Fall Classic, Strasburg opted out of a seven-year,$175 million extension signed in 2016. He left four years and $184 million on the table and now will earn $35 million a year on this new contract.
Strasburg’s other interested suitors included the New York Yankees, who took a meeting with him in California.
His return to Washington ensures the defending champion Nationals will keep their one-two punch of himself and Max Scherzer at the top of the rotation.
Strasburg debuted in 2010 and has since gone 112-58 with a 3.17 ERA. He is a three-time All-Star and finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting this year.
Now, the stage is set for free agent Gerrit Cole to land a record free agent contract. The Yankees are said to be interested, along with the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Be sure to stay tuned to ESNY for further updates!
