Nationals: Reasons for and against Stephen Strasburg opting out

Reasons to leave

There really is only one reason to leave, and that’s money — lots of money.

Again, if Strasburg doesn’t have the 2019 season and postseason that he had, I don’t think this is really a question.

But he had the perfect year to opt-out and test free agency.

I think he can easily get more than $100 million if he elects to become a free agent this offseason.

The Nationals themselves gave Patrick Corbin a six-year deal worth $140 million last year.

Corbin is only a year younger than Strasburg, and Strasburg has a much better track record.

I think Strasburg could easily get a deal for 5 years and $150 million this upcoming offseason.

The only factor for Strasburg would be if he wanted to go end his career closer to home on the West Coast.

Strasburg is from Santee, Calif. and played at San Diego State University.

There are several Major League Baseball teams in that area (Padres and Angels specifically) who will be looking for starting pitching this offseason.

If Strasburg wanted to get a little pay raise and move back home, this is a great opportunity for him to do so.

And in all honesty, if that’s something he desires to do, I wish him all the best as most of us would probably make the exact same decision.