What is Stephen Strasburg’s Net Worth, Salary and Career Earnings?
Stephen Strasburg, the right-handed pitcher for the Washington Nationals, has a net worth of $100 million. In December 2019, he signed a record-breaking seven-year contract worth $245 million, making him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history at the time. The contract is fully guaranteed and pays him an average of $35 million per year.
Strasburg made his major league debut in 2010 and set a franchise record with 14 strikeouts. He helped lead the Nationals to victory in the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros and was named the series’ Most Valuable Player.
Early Life and High School Career
Stephen Strasburg was born in San Diego, California on July 20, 1988 to dietician Swett and real estate developer Kathleen. He attended West Hills High School in Santee where he played baseball. Strasburg initially struggled on the team, but in his senior year, he threw a 12-strikeout game and allowed only a single hit, drawing the attention of scouts. He finished his high school career with three varsity letters and school records in shutouts and ERA.
College Baseball Career
Stephen Strasburg chose to attend San Diego State University, where he played as a relief pitcher in his freshman year. In his sophomore year, he became a full-time starting pitcher and recorded an 8-3 record with a 1.58 ERA and 134 strikeouts. Strasburg improved even further in his junior year, going 13-1 with a 1.32 ERA and 195 strikeouts. He received the Dick Howser Trophy and the National Pitcher of the Year Award for his outstanding performance.
Strasburg’s International Baseball Career
Before turning professional, Strasburg played for the United States national baseball team in the 2008 World University Baseball Championship, helping the team win the gold medal. He was then selected to play on the United States national team at the 2008 Summer Olympics, becoming the only collegiate player to be chosen. The team went on to win the bronze medal.
Strasburg’s Professional Debut and Early Success
In 2009, Strasburg debuted professionally with the Phoenix Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League. The following season, he played for the Harrisburg Senators of the Class AA Eastern League, where he recorded a 1.64 ERA and 27 strikeouts. Strasburg was then promoted to the Syracuse Chiefs of the Class AAA International League, where he made an unforgettable debut by throwing six scoreless innings in front of the highest-attended crowd in Syracuse history.
Stephen Strasburg’s Career Milestones
Strasburg signed a record-breaking $15.1 million, four-year contract with the Washington Nationals after being drafted number one overall. He made his major league debut in June of 2010 with a new team strikeout record of 14. However, he soon suffered a right shoulder injury and had to be placed on the disabled list. After returning from rehabilitation, Strasburg had a great April in 2012, leading the National League in strikeouts and having a second-best ERA. He became the first pitcher of the year to record 100 strikeouts in June. In 2013, Strasburg pitched into the 8th inning for the first time and recorded his first career complete game. The next season, he tied for the league lead in strikeouts and had career-best starts, strikeouts, and innings pitched.
Stephen Strasburg’s Career Highlights
Stephen Strasburg had a weak 2015 season due to injuries, but bounced back in 2016 with a $175 million, seven-year contract extension with the Nationals. He became the first pitcher in over 100 years to start 12-0 and set a new franchise record for consecutive innings pitched without any runs, with 34. In 2019, Strasburg had his peak season, leading the NL in wins and placing second in strikeouts. He helped lead the Nationals to the World Series win over the Houston Astros and was named the World Series MVP for his two wins in two appearances. However, the subsequent two seasons were plagued with injuries, causing him to miss most games.
Personal Life
Stephen Strasburg married Rachel Lackey in 2010. They met while attending San Diego State and now have two daughters. The family currently resides in Washington, DC.
Stephen Strasburg’s Massive Contracts
In May 2016, Stephen Strasburg signed a 7-year $175 million contract. On December 9, 2019 it was revealed that he had signed a 7-year $245 million extension with the Nationals. By the time his extension is up, he will have earned nearly $350 million in base salaries alone. It is one of the largest contracts in sports history.
