Stephen Strasburg: The Nationals Ace Pitcher
Stephen Strasburg is the ace pitcher of the Washington Nationals. He is a three-time MLB All-Star, two-time NL ERA leader, and the 2019 World Series MVP. Strasburg is known for his dominance on the mound and his ability to consistently deliver quality performances. He is one of the most respected pitchers in Major League Baseball and has become an icon in Washington D.C.
Early Career
Strasburg was drafted by the Washington Nationals with the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut on June 8, 2010, and was an instant success. In his first season, he recorded a 2.91 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 68 innings. Strasburg quickly became one of the most talked-about players in baseball and was widely regarded as one of the best prospects in the game.
Injuries and Comeback
Unfortunately, Strasburg was plagued by injuries throughout his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010 and missed the entire 2011 season. He was able to make a successful return in 2012, but more injuries followed in 2013 and 2014. Despite the setbacks, Strasburg was able to make a full recovery and returned to the mound in 2015.
Dominance on the Mound
Strasburg returned to form in 2015 and has been an absolute force on the mound ever since. He has been an All-Star in three of the past four seasons and led the National League in ERA in both 2016 and 2017. He has recorded double-digit strikeouts in 15 consecutive starts, and in 2019 he set the Nationals franchise record for strikeouts in a season with 251.
Pitching Arsenal
Strasburg has a well-rounded arsenal of pitches that he can throw at any time. His primary pitch is a four-seam fastball that sits in the mid 90s and can reach as high as 98 mph. He also throws a cutter, a curveball, a slider, and a changeup. He is able to mix and match his pitches to keep hitters off-balance and is able to make quick adjustments in-game.
Leadership
Strasburg has also become a leader in the Nationals clubhouse. He is a vocal presence in the dugout and has been known to give advice to his younger teammates. He is a passionate competitor and leads by example on the field. He has embraced his role as an ace and has help to define the Nationals culture of excellence.
World Series MVP
Strasburg was at the top of his game in 2019 and was the most dominant pitcher in the playoffs. He went 5-0 with a 1.98 ERA and was named the World Series MVP. He put together one of the best postseasons performances in MLB history and was instrumental in leading the Nationals to their first-ever World Series championship.
Contract Extension
The Nationals rewarded Strasburg with a seven-year, $245 million contract extension. The deal made him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history and was a testament to his importance to the team. He has become an icon in Washington D.C. and is widely considered to be the face of the franchise.
2020 Season
Strasburg is set to return to the Nationals in 2020. He is coming off a historic 2019 season and is poised to be even better in 2020. He has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in baseball and is expected to lead the Nationals to another World Series title.
Conclusion
Stephen Strasburg is the ace pitcher of the Washington Nationals. He is a three-time MLB All-Star, two-time NL ERA leader, and the 2019 World Series MVP. Strasburg has been an absolute force on the mound and has become an icon in Washington D.C. He is one of the most respected pitchers in Major League Baseball and is well-deserving of his seven-year, $245 million contract extension. He is expected to be even better in 2020 and is poised to lead the Nationals to another World Series championship.