Washington Nationals: Who Wears The “Curly W” First In HOF?

STEPHEN STRASBURG

Stephen Strasburg’s arrival in Washington was so heralded, his first start became a national event. The first pick of the 2009 MLB Draft from San Diego State came with the hype of a heavyweight boxing championship and the burden of the baseball world on his shoulders.

Although his eventual Tommy John surgery in 2011 tampered expectations, and further injuries have some questioning his durability, his quest for the Hall is not over.

At 27, Strasburg has 69 wins, a career ERA of 3.17 and 1084 career strikeouts heading into 2017. With a seven-year contract kicking in this year, it is safe to say whatever he does going forward will be in a Nationals uniform.

After a 13-0 start last year, the expectations from his arrival turned into tangible results. As he learns how to be a pitcher and not a thrower, his experience will give him better statistics to build his Cooperstown case. A two-time All-Star, you know he will improve on his lone Cy Young Award Top 10.

With excellent control and the ability to not beat himself, his best days are ahead. Throw in a couple good playoff runs and a 20-win season or two, his possible enshrinement will have merit.