Pitching a last-minute deal

Stephen Strasburg pitching in the 2019 postseason (United Press International photo)

With only 77 seconds remaining before the midnight signing deadline for 2009 draft choices, the Washington Nationals 16 years ago today agree to a deal with top overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg.

The deal pays the pitcher a first-contract record of $15.1 million over four years.

Strasburg goes on to earn $320 million in his All-Star, if injury-riddled, career.

He has another $35 million guaranteed to him by the Nationals through the 2026 season, although injuries limit him to only 32 innings since leading Washington to the 2019 World Series title.

Alas, the injuries finally force Strasburg to retire during the 2024 season.

Strasburg’s final line: 113 victories in 13 seasons with 1,723 strikeouts in 1,470 innings, three All-Star Game selections and a sparkling 5-0 record in the 2019 postseason that culminates with Washington winning the World Series.

Looking for more to read? More than 2,500 archived posts may be found at Blog 3 — Baseball (and other cool stuff) … Enjoy!