Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg ready to build on 2017

Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg had his breakout season last year. How will he build on that for 2018 and beyond?

For Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, 2017 was the year he silenced his critics. As he started the first year of his seven-year contract, he finished third in the race for the National League Cy Young.

The changes in Strasburg’s approach are profound. Sure, the question of durability has not gone away. But, in his demeanor and style on the mound, he had a breakthrough season on the mound.

The first sign came in West Palm Beach. Strasburg’s decision to pitch solely from the stretch raised eyebrows, but his command in Florida and poise allowed him to ditch the wind-up for the regular season. It worked.

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His ERA plummeted to a career-low of 2.52 over 175.1 innings. Strasburg fanned 204, but his K/9 rate dropped from 11.2 to 10.5. Working without a wind helped in his control too. He allowed 42 non-intentional walks. Not beating yourself is important and his 13 home runs allowed translates to an NL-leading 0.7 HR/9.

Although he failed to make 30 starts for the third straight year, the Strasburg on display last summer was the one Nats fans dreamt of when he made his debut in 2010. At 15-4, he is an ace.

The other huge change for Strasburg is between the ears. He came out of his shell and became an emotional leader. Fist pumps started on good plays. When the Nats clinched the NL East, he was one of the first players out of the dugout to celebrate with remaining fans.

After his ability to pitch in Game 4 of their NL Divisional Series was questioned and bungled, Strasburg delivered. In the biggest start of his career, he pitched seven innings of shutout ball while scattering three hits and striking out 12. In his second postseason, he did not allow an earned run over 14 innings, walking none and fanning 22.

If they won that series, Strasburg is the MVP.

So, where does he go from here?

Strasburg can build on his monumental 2017. New pitching coach Derek Lilliquist might find a tweak or two to strengthen him. Perhaps a workout regimen can happen to deal with the constant cramping in the heat so he can pitch 30 times.

Remember, at 28 this is the prime of his career. What he does over the next three seasons is the best he will pitch. Strasburg is poised to join the top echelon of elite pitchers in baseball. He understands he must transition from thrower to pitcher. The better mixing of his pitches and developing breaking stuff last year shows this.

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This season was not a fluke. Strasburg is the real deal and his best days are ahead.