World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg has agreed to a seven-year, $245 million deal to stay with the Washington Nationals.
Per ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan, the deal is a record for both annual average value and total value for a free agent pitcher.
“Stephen Strasburg’s deal with the Nationals is absolutely massive. It sets a new record for average annual value at $35 million a year. While there are deferrals, per source, the $245 million number could have a profound effect on the Gerrit Cole market. Is it $300M or bust now?”
According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports, $80 million of the total value of the contract is deferred, which reduces the present-day value of the deal.
Strasburg opted out of his previous contract with the Nationals in November (he had four years and $100 million remaining on his previous seven-year, $175 million extension). Opting out allows him to have three extra years and close to $145 million.
The 31-year-old was 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 209 innings over 33 regular season starts, recording 251 strikeouts with just 56 walks. He led the National League with 18 wins and 209 innings pitched and he was very effective in the postseason, as he went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA and an 0.94 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and just four walks in 36 1/3 innings over six games (five starts). Strasburg allowed just nine runs (eight earned) in the postseason and he helped the Nationals win their first World Series after going 2-0 a 2.51 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and three walks in 14 1/3 innings over two starts.
Nationals managing principal owner Mark Lerner recently said that they can’t afford to bring back both Strasburg and third baseman Anthony Rendon, which means that now with Strasburg signed, Rendon will likely join a new team.
Odds to Win the 2020 World Series
New York Yankees +450
Los Angeles Dodgers +700
Houston Astros +800
Atlanta Braves +1200
Philadelphia Phillies +1200
Boston Red Sox +1600
Milwaukee Brewers +1600
New York Mets +1600
St.Louis Cardinals +1600
Washington Nationals +1600
Chicago Cubs +2000
Minnesota Twins +2000
Chicago White Sox +2500
Cleveland Indians +2500
Los Angeles Angels +2500
Oakland Athletics +2500
Cincinnati Reds +3300
San Diego Padres +3300
San Francisco Giants +3300
Tampa Bay Rays +3300
Colorado Rockies +4000
Arizona Diamondbacks +5000
Kansas City Royals +5000
Seattle Mariners +5000
Texas Rangers +5000
Pittsburgh Pirates +10000
Toronto Blue Jays +10000
Detroit Tigers +15000
Miami Marlins +15000
Baltimore Orioles +25000
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