Stephen Strasburg Opts Out of Deal With Nationals and Elects Free Agency

Well, there will be another elite pitcher challenging Gerrit Cole on the open market this offseason.

After winning the World Series with the Washington Nationals, star pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to opt out of his current deal and test the open market.

BREAKING: Stephen Strasburg has opted out of the final four years and $100M of his deal with the Nationals.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 3, 2019

Strasburg still had four years and $100 million left on his contract at an average annual value of $25 million per season, but he's hoping to trump that deal in free agency, and perhaps wind up with a new club in the process.

There are many potential suitors for the San Diego native, including the Padres themselves, and he will be one of the more sought after players on the open market.

Nationals star and World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg plans to opt out of the final four years and $100M of his contract today and become a free agent, sources familiar with the situation tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 3, 2019

Stras was electric for the Nationals in 2019, and strung together a healthy campaign for the first time in what felt like forever. He logged 34 starts and posted an 18-6 record while striking out a career-high 251 batters across 209 innings of work.

The 2019 World Series MVP was drafted by the Nationals as the No. 1 overall pick back in 2009, and now there's a real chance that he's played his last game for the club. He certainly delivered in what could be his final season in D.C.