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6 biggest questions for Nationals entering the offseason

By Jake Mastroianni

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Stephen Strasburg #37, Kurt Suzuki #28, Ryan Zimmerman #11, Anthony Rendon #6 and Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals meet on the mound during the seventh inning of game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Stephen Strasburg #37, Kurt Suzuki #28, Ryan Zimmerman #11, Anthony Rendon #6 and Howie Kendrick #47 of the Washington Nationals meet on the mound during the seventh inning of game three of the National League Championship Series at Nationals Park on October 14, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals World Series Stephen Strasburg
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Stephen  Strasburg #37 of the Washington Nationals delivers the pitch against the Houston Astros during the third inning in Game Two of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 23, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

What will Strasburg do

It’s hard to even think about Stephen Strasburg not pitching for the Washington Nationals after that heroic performance he put on in the postseason leading to him being named the MVP of the World Series.

But ironically, it could be that performance that leads to him betting on himself in free agency.

At this point, I have little doubt that Strasburg can get more than the $100 million left on his deal with the Nationals.

Related Story. Reasons for and against Stras opting out. light

Once we find out what Strasburg decides, he has until November 5, that will make the offseason goals for the Nationals a lot clearer.

If he opts-out and becomes a free agent, the Nationals have to either try and re-sign him, or find a starting pitcher out there to replace him with.

As I pointed out in the related story above, I think Strasburg can get at least 5 years and $150 million this offseason.

If the Nationals are serious about making another World Series run, I think they pony up the money to bring him back.

And when you consider the point mentioned before about Scherzer possibly slowing down health-wise, the Nationals are going to need Strasburg to lead this rotation for the next five years.

But, they may not have the money to re-sign Strasburg and sign this guy…

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