Stephen Strasburg, the San Diego State alum who helped the Washington Nationals to World Series glory, will return to D.C.
According to multiple reports, the World Series MVP signed a 7-year, $245 million deal to stay with Washington. His Nationals upset the favored Houston Astros in a seven-game series.
The contract averages out to $35 million a season. Strasburg opted out of a deal with four years remaining, worth $100 million.
The Nationals announced the new agreement during baseball’s winter meetings, taking place in San Diego.
“We couldn’t be happier that we’ve signed him long term,” said Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo on Monday, according to MLB.com. He also called Strasburg, who has played in Washington his whole career, “a wonderful person, a wonderful player and a true champion.”
Experts counted Strasburg among the most sought-after free agents this off-season. The San Diego Padres were considered long-shots among teams interested in the San Diego native.
– Staff reports
