Ranking the top contenders to sign Stephen Strasburg

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) laughs after not getting a called strike three in the seventh inning of Game Three of the NLCS between the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 29: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches during Game 6 of the 2019 World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

2. San Diego Padres

Of the teams on this list, the Padres probably have the steepest uphill climb to contend for the World Series, but they do have the hometown factor working for them when it comes to their pursuit of Stephen Strasburg. He grew up in San Diego and went to San Diego State before being picked first overall. If you’ve ever been to San Diego, you’re well aware the city has plenty of selling points — laid-back vibes, perfect weather, beaches, food and beer for days.

At the start of his career, Strasburg would have been a lock to return to the West Coast as a free agent. He initially shied away from the in-your-face attitudes of the East Coast. The hype of being the best pitching prospect in decades didn’t make things easier for the shy Cali kid. Strasburg has grown so much in his career that San Diego can no longer be viewed as his security blanket to run home to.

The Nationals still have to be considered the overwhelming favorites to bring Strasburg back, but there are a lot of selling points for the Padres, besides location. They have committed two massive contracts to Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado and have an exciting young core forming behind Fernando Tatis Jr. and Chris Paddack.

The Padres can offer an exciting opportunity to Strasburg to step in and lead a rotation all his own. He’s never really had the chance to be the undisputed leader of a rotation. The Padres are going to burst soon and will get back to the playoffs. Is Stephen Strasburg interested in getting on board and leading them to the Promised Land?

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