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The Nationals refortified their incredible starting rotation on Monday, re-signing World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg to a record-breaking deal that will pay the right-hander $245 million.
The deal will keep Strasburg in Washington for the next seven seasons, and will include deferrals with interest that will be paid within the next ten years, meaning the Nationals have just three years beyond the life of the contract to pay Strasburg in full. The deal also does not include opt-outs or options. This is unusual in the current climate of MLB mega-contracts, which all seemingly include some form of opt-out or option. Strasburg instead will be guaranteed to remain in Washington barring a trade.
At first glance, this is bad news for the rest of the NL East, including the Braves. However, given that Strasburg earned an extra $145 million by opting out of his deal, then remaining with the Nationals, the net result is simply a more expensive version of the same pitcher who has been such a force for Washington since his debut. It may not be ideal to have three aces remain on the same team, but it does come at a monumental cost. Strasburg has the talent and track record to live up to such a contract, but $245 million is still a huge commitment.
Braves News
Braves and Indians have NOT had substantive talks regarding Francisco Lindor, per report
The Braves have long been considered a possible destination for Francisco Lindor in the event that Cleveland decides to deal the young star. On Monday, Jon Paul Morosi indicated that the two clubs had not engaged in “substantive talks” regarding Lindor, which essentially means nothing. Could it means that talks occurred and went nowhere, or that no talks occurred at all? The vague nature of this report leaves room for interpretation and is hardly informative.
Atlanta Braves Chop Fest Weekend scheduled for January 24 and 25
Mark your calendars for Chop Fest, which will occur in late January. Click the link for pricing and event information.
MLB News
Yanks’ formal offer to Cole is imminent
The best pitcher in the world is about to cash in, and could soon call Yankee Stadium home if New York makes the type of offer that is expected.
Rendon appears to have 2 main suitors
The Rangers and Dodgers have separated themselves in the Anthony Rendon sweepstakes.
Bumgarner reportedly wants nine-figure deal
The former World Series hero is seeking a deal way beyond his projected market value.
Why Donaldson might land a four-year deal
Rumors surfaced on Monday that Josh Donaldson would likely require a four-year deal given the robust market that exists for his services. Will the Braves or any other team commit to Donaldson for that length of time?
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge founder Frates dies
Pete Frates of Massachusetts passed away on Monday. You may know Frates as the founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge, which swept the nation in 2014. The actual focus of the challenge was to raise money to fight ALS, which Frates had been diagnosed with in 2012. Prayers for the Frates family in this time as they mourn the loss of such an influential and caring individual who used a unique platform to build a means of support for other ALS patients.