Washington Nationals agree to record-breaking contract with pitcher Stephen Strasburg

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Photo by Scott Clarke / ESPN Images(WASHINGTON) — Fresh off a World Series win, the Washington Nationals will bring back at least one of their two most desirable free agents.The team agreed to a seven-year deal with right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on Monday. The contract is reportedly worth $245 million, surpassing the record seven-year $217 million deal signed by Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price.That $35 million per year value is the most ever for a pitcher, more than Zach Greinke’s $31.5 million.

Strasburg had opted out of the last four years of his contract with Washington, giving up $100 million in the process. He comes off a career-high 18 wins, and a National League-leading 209 innings pitched.

He also became the first pitcher in MLB history to win five games in a single postseason without a loss.

Strasburg was considered the second-best pitcher on the free agent market behind former Houston Astros righty Gerrit Cole. Cole’s deal is expected to top Strasburg’s in dollars, average annual value, and possibly years as well. Copyright © 2019, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.