MLB Rumors: If Stephen Strasburg opts out, where should he sign?

These teams would be very happy if Stephen Strasburg opts out

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 11: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of the interleague game at Target Field on September 11, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images /

2. Houston Astros

Any level of interest Houston has in Strasburg is simply predicated on losing Gerrit Cole to a high bidder they’re not willing to compete with. Strasburg would also come a little cheaper, if that’s a consideration. But their championship window is wide open, and a top of the rotation trio of Justin Verlander, Strasburg and Zack Greinke would easily maintain the Astros as a favorite to win the World Series in 2020.

Houston’s analytics department has been credited with the revival of Verlander and the since-departed Charlie Morton, along with helping Cole unlock a new level. Strasburg has already sort of reinvented himself, with a fastball that doesn’t light up radar guns like a Christmas tree on a regular basis anymore, but the Astros would almost surely have something for him to try in terms of pitch location, sequencing etc.

If all financial things are equal, if/when he opts out, Strasburg wouldn’t be blamed for choosing his best chance to win a World Series. Among teams most likely be looking for a starter, again assuming Cole goes elsewhere, Houston may well be atop that list of legit contenders.

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