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Stephen Strasburg opts out, per reports

Reports indicate that Stephen Strasburg has opted out of the final four years of his contract with the Washington Nationals

By Adam J. Morris
World Series - Washington Nationals v Houston Astros - Game Six Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MLB Rumors: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals free agent pitcher, is a free agent, per reports indicating the 31 year old righthander has opted out of the final four years and $100 million of his deal. Strasburg just finished year three of a 7 year, 175 million extension he signed during the 2016 season.

Strasburg led the National League in innings pitched while putting up a 3.32 ERA and 3.25 FIP in 2019. This was his second 6+ bWAR season in the last three years, and he would seem to be positioned to command $30 million per year on a league term deal this offseason.

While Gerrit Cole is expected to be the top free agent starter on the market, Strasburg isn’t going to be far behind him. Strasburg was excellent in the 2019 postseason and was named the World Series MVP.

The biggest concern with Strasburg will be his durability. He already has a Tommy John surgery under his belt, and has missed time with elbow and shoulder issues since then. A team signing Strasburg is getting a guy who has made more than 30 starts just twice in his career.

Strasburg is represented by Scott Boras, who also represents Cole, as well as Strasburg’s teammate Anthony Rendon, the top position player on the free agent market this offseason.