Washington Nationals Sign Stephen Strasburg

Highly touted prospect Stephen Strasburg has agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals on a four-year, $15.1 million contract.

The Washington Nationals have come to terms with pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the first player selected overall in the 2009 MLB Entry Draft, to a four-year $15.1 million contract. The agreement makes Strassburg the highest paid rookie ever, topping the $10.5 million 2001 contract of Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior. At San Diego State last season, the 21 year-old right-hander went 13-1 with a 1.35 ERA and 195 strikeouts in only 109 innings. Strasburg won the Golden Spikes Award as the top U.S. amateur baseball player, along with the Dick Howser Award. Strasburg possesses a fastball that has been clocked at 100 miles per hour, and a devastating curve ball. It is widely believed that the rookie will contribute to the Nationals quickly, and that he will be a cornerstone of their starting rotation for years to come.