Rumors have already started on a potential trade of former first round pick Stephen Strasburg and while fans of the team might not like the idea, the business side of things might make this a necessity for the franchise.
The team now has six starters on the roster that won at least 10 games during the 2014 season and while injuries always play a concern, money could play a bigger role as the Nationals salary for this season now stands at $150 million, a steep price for a mid-market club.
Strasburg went 14-11 with a solid 3.14 ERA last year and with 242 strikeouts in just 215 innings pitched, any team around the league would love to add the hard throwing San Diego State product.
Bleacher Report writer Joel Reuter has suggested a few ball clubs that could make a move for the 26-year-old and Boston is tops on the list. The Red Sox have already added some quality players during the off-season, but the team doesn’t have that stud pitcher they need and that’s where a trade now could come in handy.
The right-hander has rebounded nicely from injuries early in his career. Strasburg has 92 starts over the last three years, winning 37 games and with an ERA of just over 3.00 during that time, he’s shown the ability to take over a staff and help lead a club to the MLB Playoffs.
Boston is competing against a tough AL East that includes last years champion Baltimore Orioles, but with Toronto and the NY Yankees looking stronger, any move to bolster their starting staff would only help their cause.
Cole Hamels name has also been rumored in a possible trade, but with Strasburg’s age and overpowering stuff, a trade for the younger pitcher makes better business sense.
