Stephen Strasburg put his name on one of the richest contracts ever handed to a pitcher in Major League Baseball history. In December 2019, just weeks after being named World Series MVP, the Washington Nationals ace locked in a 7-year agreement that made him one of the highest-paid players in the sport. The deal matters not only for its size, but because what happened afterward turned it into one of the most debated contracts of the decade.
His Final Big Contract
- Team: Washington Nationals
- Signed: December 9, 2019
- Length: 7 years (2020–2026)
- Total guaranteed value: $245 million
- Average annual value: $35 million
- No-trade clause: Yes
How the Deal Is Structured
The $245 million is spread across seven seasons, averaging $35 million per year. A notable feature of the contract is $80 million in deferred money: instead of receiving the full amount during the contract years, Strasburg collects that portion in three equal installments of $26,666,667 on July 1 of each year from 2027 through 2029, with 1% interest applied.
The contract also includes a full no-trade clause, giving Strasburg veto power over any trade. That kind of protection is standard for a pitcher of his caliber signing at peak value — and reflects the leverage he carried coming off an October for the ages.
The Fine Print
The deferred structure is the deal’s most distinctive element. By spreading $80 million beyond the contract’s end date, Washington gained payroll flexibility in the short term while Strasburg remained fully protected: the contract is 100% guaranteed, meaning the Nationals owe every dollar regardless of injuries, performance, or any other circumstance.
Where Strasburg Ranks Historically
- #22 — Largest contracts in MLB history (by total guaranteed value)
- #4 — Among pitchers all time
- #9 — Total career earnings in MLB history
Rankings based on total guaranteed value without discounting deferred money. Data from Spotrac and Baseball-Reference as of August 11, 2026.
His Earlier Contracts
- Washington Nationals, 2017–2023: $175 million (extension)
Before the 2019 megadeal, Strasburg had already earned $175 million in Washington under a previous extension. The 2019 contract arrived at the absolute peak of his market value — right after he led the Nationals to their first World Series title in franchise history.
Career Earnings
- Total MLB salary through 2026: $267 million
- Total guaranteed across all contracts: $420 million
Career earnings reflect MLB base salary, signing bonuses, and collected bonuses. Endorsements and earnings outside the US are not included.
Why This Contract Gets Talked About
Strasburg signed as the reigning World Series MVP — and then pitched just 31⅓ innings after the ink dried, going 1-4 with a 6.89 ERA. His last appearance came on June 9, 2022. A planned retirement in September 2023 fell through when the Nationals ownership attempted to modify the contract’s terms; he officially retired in April 2024. Washington paid every cent of a $245 million deal for a pitcher who was essentially done before it started.
