Stephen Strasburg Salay: The Highest-Paid Pitcher in Baseball History

Stephen Strasburg is a name that every baseball fan knows. He is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, and he has the contract to prove it. In 2019, he signed a seven-year, $245 million deal with the Washington Nationals, making him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history at the time. But how did he get to this point? What are his achievements and challenges? And what is his net worth and lifestyle? In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of Stephen Strasburg, from his early life and career, salary, net worth, earning career, and personal life in detail.

Stephen Strasburg Salary

As of 2023, Strasburg’s salary is $35 million USD. This is the average annual value of his seven-year contract with the Nationals, which he signed in December 2019. The contract is worth $245 million in total, with $245 million guaranteed. It also includes a full no-trade clause and $80 million in deferred payments.

Strasburg’s salary ranks among the highest in MLB. He is the fourth-highest paid player in 2023, behind only Mike Trout ($37.1 million), Gerrit Cole ($36 million), and Mookie Betts ($35.5 million). He is also the second-highest paid pitcher, behind only Cole.

Strasburg’s salary has increased significantly over his career. He started with a four-year, $15.1 million contract with the Nationals in 2009, which included a $7.5 million signing bonus. He then signed a one-year, $3.975 million deal in 2014, followed by a one-year, $7.4 million deal in 2015. In 2016, he signed a seven-year, $175 million contract extension with the Nationals, which included a $10 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after the 2019 season. He exercised his opt-out option after winning the World Series and secured his current contract.

Net Worth

Strasburg’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million USD². This is based on his career earnings from baseball, as well as his endorsements and investments.

According to Spotrac, Strasburg has earned $196.5 million from his baseball contracts as of 2023. He will earn another $154.7 million from his current contract until 2026. He will also receive $80 million in deferred payments from 2027 to 2029.

Strasburg also makes money from his endorsements and sponsorships. He has deals with Nike, Topps, Panini America, and Rawlings. He also has a stake in Loma Brewing Company, a craft brewery owned by his brother-in-law Kevin Youkilis.

Earning Career

Strasburg’s earning career has been remarkable and record-breaking. He was one of the most hyped prospects in baseball history when he entered the draft in 2009. He had dominated at San Diego State University, where he won several awards and accolades. He also represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics and won a bronze medal.

Strasburg’s debut in 2010 was sensational. He struck out 14 batters in seven innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, setting a franchise record for strikeouts in a debut. He finished his rookie season with a 5-3 record, a 2.91 ERA, and 92 strikeouts in 68 innings.

However, Strasburg’s career was not without challenges and setbacks. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He missed most of the 2011 season and was limited to 160 innings in 2012 as part of his recovery plan. He also missed significant time due to various injuries to his neck, shoulder, ribs, hand, and elbow throughout his career¹.

Despite these obstacles, Strasburg has been one of the most dominant and consistent pitchers in MLB. He has made three All-Star appearances (2012, 2016, 2017) and won the Silver Slugger Award for pitchers in 2012. He has also led the National League in wins twice (2016 and 2019) and strikeouts once (2014). He has a career record of 121-66, a 3.18 ERA, and 1,801 strikeouts in 1,610 innings as of 2023.

Strasburg’s crowning achievement came in 2019 when he helped the Nationals win their first World Series title over the Houston Astros. He was named the World Series MVP after going 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA and 14 strikeouts in two starts. He became the first pitcher to win five games in a single postseason without a loss.

Personal Life

Strasburg was born on July 20, 1988 in San Diego, California. He is the son of Jim and Kathleen Strasburg, who are both San Diego State alumni. His father is a real estate developer and his mother is a dietician.

Strasburg married Rachel Lackey, a former soccer player at San Diego State, in 2010. They have two daughters, Raegan and Raelyn. They live in San Diego during the offseason and in Washington, D.C. during the season.

Strasburg is known for his quiet and reserved personality. He does not like to draw attention to himself or talk to the media. He prefers to focus on his craft and his family. He is also a devout Christian and credits his faith for helping him overcome his challenges.

Strasburg is also involved in various charitable and community causes. He supports the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, which provides academic and athletic opportunities for underserved youth in Washington, D.C… He also participates in the Nationals’ Dream Foundation, which supports initiatives related to health, education, and recreation. He has also donated money and equipment to his alma mater, San Diego State.

Major League Debut and Success

Strasburg made his professional debut in the Arizona Fall League in 2009. He then played for the Harrisburg Senators and the Syracuse Chiefs in the minor leagues in 2010. He was promoted to the major leagues on June 8, 2010, making his debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs and striking out 14 batters, setting a franchise record and tying a major league record for strikeouts in a debut. He earned his first win and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Strasburg continued to impress in his rookie season, going 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 12 starts. However, he suffered a setback when he tore his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow on August 21, 2010. He underwent Tommy John surgery on September 3, 2010, which sidelined him for most of the 2011 season. He returned to action on September 6, 2011, pitching five scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 2012, Strasburg had a breakout season, going 15-6 with a 3.16 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 28 starts. He was selected to his first All-Star Game and helped the Nationals win their first division title since moving to Washington. However, he was shut down by the team after reaching an innings limit of 159.1 as part of his recovery plan from surgery. The Nationals lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series (NLDS).

In 2013, Strasburg had another solid season, going 8-9 with a 3.00 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 30 starts. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award as the best-hitting pitcher in the National League (NL). However, he missed some time due to injuries and illnesses, such as a strained latissimus dorsi muscle and an inflamed nerve in his elbow.

In 2014, Strasburg led the NL in strikeouts with 242 and posted a career-best ERA of 3.14. He went 14-11 in 34 starts and helped the Nationals win their second division title in three years. He also made his postseason debut against the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS but lost despite pitching well.

In 2015, Strasburg had an inconsistent season due to injuries and poor performance. He started off poorly, going 3-5 with a 6.55 ERA in his first 10 starts. He then landed on the disabled list twice with neck and oblique injuries. He returned to form in August and September, going 6-2 with a 1.90 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 10 starts. He finished the season with an 11-7 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 155 strikeouts in 23 starts.

In 2016, Strasburg had a career year, going 15-4 with a 3.60 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 24 starts. He started the season with a 13-0 record, becoming the first NL pitcher to do so since 1912. He also signed a seven-year, $175 million contract extension with the Nationals, which included an opt-out clause after the third and fourth years. However, he suffered another elbow injury in September and missed the rest of the regular season and the postseason, where the Nationals lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.

In 2017, Strasburg had his best season to date, going 15-4 with a career-low ERA of 2.52 and 204 strikeouts in 28 starts. He led the NL in wins, ERA, and strikeouts per nine innings (10.5). He also threw his first career shutout and his second career complete game against the Miami Marlins on May 27, 2017. He was named to his third All-Star Game and finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting. He also had a stellar postseason performance, pitching two scoreless games against the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS. He struck out 22 batters and allowed only six hits in 14 innings, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to record at least 10 strikeouts and no walks in consecutive postseason games.

In 2018, Strasburg had another injury-plagued season, making only 22 starts due to shoulder and neck issues. He went 10-7 with a 3.74 ERA and 156 strikeouts but missed the All-Star Game for the first time since 2015. The Nationals failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015 as well.

In 2019, Strasburg bounced back with a historic season, going 18-6 with a 3.32 ERA and a career-high 251 strikeouts in a career-high 33 starts. He led the majors in wins and innings pitched (209) and became the first pitcher in MLB history to strike out at least 200 batters in five consecutive seasons. He also opted out of his contract with the Nationals after the season, becoming a free agent.

Strasburg was instrumental in leading the Nationals to their first World Series title in franchise history. He went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA and 47 strikeouts in six postseason appearances (five starts), becoming the first pitcher to win five games in a single postseason. He also won two games against the Houston Astros in the World Series, including Game 6, where he pitched eight innings of two-run ball and struck out seven batters. He was named the World Series MVP for his performance.

On December 9, 2019, Strasburg re-signed with the Nationals on a seven-year, $245 million contract, which was the largest contract ever given to a pitcher at that point (it was surpassed by Gerrit Cole’s nine-year, $324 million deal with the New York Yankees two days later). The contract also included a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs.

In 2020, Strasburg had a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a nerve issue in his right hand that required surgery. He made only two starts, going 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA and two strikeouts in five innings.

In 2021, Strasburg had another injury-riddled season, making only five starts due to shoulder inflammation and neck strain. He went 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 21.2 innings before being placed on the injured list on June 2.

Conclusion

Stephen Strasburg is one of the best pitchers of his generation and one of the richest athletes in the world. He has overcome injuries and adversity to achieve greatness on the mound and off the field. He has earned his salary and net worth through his hard work and dedication. He has also given back to his community and his fans through his generosity and humility. He is a role model and an inspiration for aspiring baseball players and anyone who faces challenges in life.

FAQ

Q: How old is Stephen Strasburg?

A: Stephen Strasburg is 35 years old as of 2023.

Q: How tall is Stephen Strasburg?

A: Stephen Strasburg is 6 feet 3 inches (1.93 meters) tall.

Q: How much does Stephen Strasburg weigh?

A: Stephen Strasburg weighs 235 pounds (107 kilograms).

Q: What is Stephen Strasburg’s jersey number?

A: Stephen Strasburg wears number 37 for the Washington Nationals.

Q: What is Stephen Strasburg’s pitch repertoire?

A: Stephen Strasburg throws a four-seam fastball, a two-seam fastball, a curveball, a changeup, and a slider.

Q: What is Stephen Strasburg’s fastest pitch?

A: Stephen Strasburg’s fastest pitch was clocked at 101.5 miles per hour (163.3 kilometers per hour) in 2010.

Q: What is Stephen Strasburg’s nickname?

A: Stephen Strasburg’s nickname is “Stras”.

Q: Where did Stephen Strasburg go to college?

A: Stephen Strasburg went to San Diego State University, where he played for the Aztecs baseball team.

Q: Who is Stephen Strasburg’s agent?

A: Stephen Strasburg’s agent is Scott Boras, who heads the Boras Corporation.

Q: Who is Stephen Strasburg’s wife?

A: Stephen Strasburg’s wife is Rachel Lackey, whom he married in 2010.