Stephen Strasburg was a lock to return to the Nationals from the moment he entered free agency. That he opted out of his contract right before they celebrated their World Series victory served only to underscore the certainty of his continued tenure with the same franchise that drafted him first overall in the 2009 draft. He was a rock for them in the regular season, coming up with a career-high 18 wins through a National League-pacing 209 innings. He was even better in the playoffs, posting Major League Baseball’s first-ever 5-0 slate en route to claiming the Most Valuable Player award.
Considering Strasburg’s accomplishments, it would be an understatement to argue that the Nationals couldn’t have gone all the way without him. It’s why they pledged to do all they could to retain him after he opted out of a contract that still had four years and $100 million on it. It’s why they kept their promise in getting him to affix his Hancock on a newly minted deal worth a record $245 million over seven seasons. And it’s why they couldn’t help but effusively praise him in their statement announcing the agreement. Beyond the immediate past strides, owner Mark D. Lerner noted that “We would not have … accomplished everything we have these last 10 seasons if not for Stephen’s many contributions.”
The Nationals are right, of course; Strasburg has earned every penny of his precedent-setting accord, on the mound and off. And, outside of keeping them among the favorites for the 2020 title, he figures to set the bar for other free-agent signings. Because he got off the board early and for a new high, he will be triggering a bidding war for fellow pitcher Gerrit Cole, who just so happens to share with him super agent Scott Boras. The grapevine — which had the Yankees already offering the 2019 Cy Young runner-up the same figure over the same period — is now speculating, with reason, that suitors will engage in battles of oneupmanship and ultimately drive his price close to $300 million.
The amount will be invariably be staggering. It will reflect the Yankees’ need for a Number One starter to complete the rotation, or the Angels’ desire to partner perennial MVP Mike Trout with another marquee name, or the Dodgers’ intent to overwhelm opponents with a smorgasbord or strikeouts, or of the Padres’ recognition of the need for solid veteran presence to guide young talent. And, make no mistake, Cole is ready for his humongous payday; to recall, he didn’t even wait until the Astros got over their heartbreaking loss in Game Seven of the World Series to announce that “technically, I’m unemployed,” and that “it was a pleasure to play in Houston.”
Whatever the final number, Cole will be worth it. He understands the pressure that comes with great expectations, and he’s poised to deliver. Meanwhile, he would do well to thank Strasburg for setting him up nicely. Winter is coming, and he’s all smiles as a result.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
