The reigning world champions have kept one of the biggest free agents on the market.
First reported by Jon Heyman, the Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg.
Strasburg and Nats have a deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 9, 2019
Strasburg was selected first overall by the Nationals in 2009 and has been a dominant arm when healthy in his time in Washington. Strasburg rejoins a rotation that features Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin.
This also shrinks the pool of elite starting pitching. Strasburg and Gerrit Cole were seen as the two premier pitchers headlining this free-agent class, but now only Cole remains.
Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Strasburg’s contract terms are what the New York Yankees reportedly offered Cole.
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
This will no doubt have a ripple effect through the rest of free agency, and it will be interesting to see now where ex-National Anthony Rendon ends up.
