Report: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals to work on new deal ‘right away’

Coming off their first World Series championship behind a heroic effort by starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the Washington Nationals are reportedly already planning to work on a new deal for the World Series MVP.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Washington is willing to give Strasburg an annual raise to surpass his $25 million salary and the two sides are expected to work on a new deal immediately.

The 31-year-old exercised the opt-out clause in his contract shortly after the World Series. Now coming off a championship celebration and a postseason in which he posted a 1.98 ERA with a 5-0 record and 47 strikeouts in 36.1 innings.

According to the report, Strasburg’s representatives could target a deal similar to those signed by Max Scherzer’s seven-year, $210 million deal and Zack Greinke’s six-year, $206.5 million deal. It’s clear Strasburg is targeting a deal worth $30-plus million annually and he’ll almost certainly get it.

By Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson is Senior Editor of NFL and College Football for Sportsnaut. His work, including weekly NFL and college ... More about Matt Johnson