The Washington Nationals have signed their man, taking one of the biggest names on the free-agent market off the board. The Nationals have signed their prized pitcher Stephen Strasburg to a seven-year, $245 million contract. Strasburgh now has the record for Average Annual Value(AAV) at $35 million, which was record-setting, far higher than the previous record, which was set by David Price. Jon Heyman first reported that the two teams were in agreement and Jeff Passan followed up with the official terms of the contract soon after.
Strasburg and Nats have a deal
— 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 was one of the biggest names on this year’s free-agent market and was the 2019 World Series MVP. Entering his age thirty-two season, Strasburg will rejoin the Nationals pitching staff where he is the number two started to Max Scherzer, who is the ace of the staff. Strasburg finished 2019 with an 18-6 record over 33 starts, 3.32 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 251 strikeouts over 209 innings of work.
With the signing of Strasburg, there are a few things to be learned about the 2019 free-agent class. Prized starting pitcher Gerrit Cole will most likely earn $275 million or more this offseason wherever he ends up. The Nationals pledge of $245 million to Strasburg also most likely means they are out on infielder Anthony Rendon who seems as if he may return to his native state of Texas to play for the Texas Rangers. Strasburg opted out of his four remaining years worth $100 million, and in return, he adds on three more years to that contract worth $145 million.
