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Ranking the top contenders to sign Stephen Strasburg

By Joshua Sadlock

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)
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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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 14: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 14: Stephen Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

1. Washington Nationals

Until the moment the ink is dried on his contract with another team, the Nationals have to be considered the favorites to keep their starter. They can easily come up with the money to extend him past the four years and $100 million that were left on his contract. There is nothing stopping the Nats from tacking on two more years and paying Strasburg $30 million per year.

The writing seems to be on the wall when it comes to Strasburg’s future. He gave up his first chance at free agency to sign an extension with the Nationals. Scott Boras clients never do that. After signing the extension, he moved his family’s offseason home and his training base from San Diego to D.C. He has opened up with the fanbase and is beloved in his own clubhouse, with the feeling appearing to be very mutual. Strasburg has opened up with his city and his teammates after coming in as a shy, quiet bonus baby.

"“He loves this team and is comfortable,” said Erik Castro, who played with Strasburg in college and remains a close friend. “He’s been with them for a long time, he enjoys being there and he’s enjoyed this team especially.”"

The Nats have seen Strasburg through all the pivotal moments of his career. They got him back in one piece after Tommy John surgery, took the heat for shutting him down before the 2012 playoffs and allowed him to blossom into a three-time All-Star and one of the best postseason pitchers of his generation.

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Strasburg doesn’t come across as the type of player who is only concerned with the money. He’s happy with the Nationals and has a great thing going for himself. He isn’t going to give that up just because another team offers him $2 million more per year. Take your money and bet on Strasburg and the Nationals having a new deal worked out before Christmas.

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