The Nationals always wanted to move fast with Strasburg, knowing his landing spot would dictate the rest of their winter. Heading into negotiations, Strasburg’s agent, Scott Boras, was looking to use Max Scherzer’s seven-year, $210 million contract as a starting point. That’s how Strasburg’s deal directly affects the Nationals’ chances of retaining all-star third baseman Anthony Rendon. The total value of the contracts for those four is right around $604 million. When asked whether the Strasburg deal took the Nationals out of the running for Rendon, Rizzo did not give a definitive answer.

Source: Washington Post December 09, 2019 20:01 UTC