In what seems like a move healthy for the sport, Stephen Strasburg has opted to stay with the World Champion Washington Nationals.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Strasburg signs a seven-year, $245 million dollar deal to remain a National. Without question, this should make him a lifetime member of the Nationals’ franchise.
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
While we could still learn of some wrinkles like an opt-out clause here and there, the take-home message is that the Nationals were able to keep the reigning World Series Most Valuable Player. All of this with a host of suitors waiting for his services.
Remember it was just last week when the Nationals’ owner Mark Lerner said publicly that the organization could not afford both Strasburg and Anthony Rendon. Therefore, Lerner said the following:
“We really can only afford to have one of those two guys. They’re huge numbers. We already have a really large payroll to begin with. We’re pursuing them, we’re pursuing other free agents in case they decided to go elsewhere. Again, it’s not up to us. We can give them a great offer — which we’ve done to both of those players. They’re great people. We’d be delighted if they stay. But it’s not up to us, it’s up to them. That’s why they call it free agency.”
Now, the Nationals have drawn their line in the sand on their preference. On the other hand, Rendon remains on the open market for a host of suitors to bid on this week and possibly after the winter meetings in San Diego conclude.
Equally important in all of this is if the Nationals are working behind the scenes to extend their young superstar Juan Soto. This has been rumored about in the recent past as something that was on the table for the organization to examine.
In any event, it’s nice to see Strasburg staying at home even for the hefty price tag. And perhaps the Nationals have retained the most important piece of their championship run.
