While Stephen Strasburg pitched against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night, it was announced that the Washington Nationals had agreed to a seven-year extension with their starter. The team confirmed the news on Tuesday, revealing the contract's worth at $175 million.
The contract also includes an opt-out clause after the third or fourth year, and $7 million in performance bonuses. For every season Strasburg reaches 180 innings pitched, he will receive a $1 million bonus.
The top-of-the-line starter would not answer questions about his contract after Monday's game, but did just that during his press conference on Tuesday. The ace spoke highly of the nation's capital, saying "the city of D.C. has been great to me and my family."
Strasburg avoided arbitration in January by agreeing to a one-year, $10.4 million deal, but was going to be a free agent after this season. His agent, Scott Boras, made a rare decision for him to let his player sign an extension, rather than test the free agent market. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is happy he did that, expressing that when he said "from the moment he was drafted, Stephen has been far more than just a pitcher for our organization, and his talent is transcendent."
The Nationals drafted the right-hander first overall in 2009. He has a record of 59-37 with a 3.06 ERA in six-plus seasons with the team. The one issue they have dealt with for the 27-year-old is his inability to stay healthy. He has had six trips to the disabled list, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2010.
He has since gotten his game back on track, making an All-Star team in 2012, the same season he won 15 games, leading the Nats to their first playoff appearance since moving to Washington in 2005. He was also tied for the lead in the majors with 242 strikeouts last season.
Strasburg is 5-0 so far this season, with an ERA of 2.36 in six starts. He has allowed just one home run in 42 innings. If the hurler can stay healthy, he can prove that he is worth every penny of this contract, and more, in his career.
The contract also includes an opt-out clause after the third or fourth year, and $7 million in performance bonuses. For every season Strasburg reaches 180 innings pitched, he will receive a $1 million bonus.
The top-of-the-line starter would not answer questions about his contract after Monday's game, but did just that during his press conference on Tuesday. The ace spoke highly of the nation's capital, saying "the city of D.C. has been great to me and my family."
Strasburg avoided arbitration in January by agreeing to a one-year, $10.4 million deal, but was going to be a free agent after this season. His agent, Scott Boras, made a rare decision for him to let his player sign an extension, rather than test the free agent market. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is happy he did that, expressing that when he said "from the moment he was drafted, Stephen has been far more than just a pitcher for our organization, and his talent is transcendent."
The Nationals drafted the right-hander first overall in 2009. He has a record of 59-37 with a 3.06 ERA in six-plus seasons with the team. The one issue they have dealt with for the 27-year-old is his inability to stay healthy. He has had six trips to the disabled list, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2010.
He has since gotten his game back on track, making an All-Star team in 2012, the same season he won 15 games, leading the Nats to their first playoff appearance since moving to Washington in 2005. He was also tied for the lead in the majors with 242 strikeouts last season.
Strasburg is 5-0 so far this season, with an ERA of 2.36 in six starts. He has allowed just one home run in 42 innings. If the hurler can stay healthy, he can prove that he is worth every penny of this contract, and more, in his career.
