Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals Ink 7-Year Extension

Zimbio

According to multiple reports by Ken Rosenthal, Chelsea Janes and Jon Heyman, the Washington Nationals have signed Stephen Strasburg to a 7-year $175 million extension. Strasburg was due to become a free agent at the end of the 2016 season.

According to Heyman, the deal does include opt outs after years three and four, and the Nationals are expected to announce the deal at a press conference on Tuesday.

A former No. 1 overall pick, Strasburg was suppose to be the top pitching free agent in 2017 but has been locked up months before he could test the waters.

It has been reported that Strasburg has $1 million bonuses for performance per year, including 180 innings pitched each year.

According to Jon Morosi, the extension is the largest for a pitcher who has had Tommy John surgery.

Strasburg, a former No. 1 overall pick, is currently 5-0 with a 2.36 and 47 strikeouts in six starts so far this season.

Strasburg’s agent, Scott Boras is not usually known for making deals before testing free agency, but he currently works with Jayson Werth and Max Scherzer who also have 7-year deals with the Nationals.

The 2017 free agent starting pitching class now includes R.A. Dickey, John Niese, Jered Weaver and Andrew Cashner.