The negotiating window has been reduced to days for the Nationals and No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg. What happens between principal owner Ted Lerner and advisor/agent Scott Boras between now and midnight Monday determines the credibility — or at least the competence — of this struggling franchise once and for all.
Either the Nats sign the 21-year-old phenom or they explain to their fans why a deal didn’t get done with a pitcher scouts have said is a once-in-a-generation find. Remember, Washington went through this last year when No. 9 overall pick Aaron Crow failed to sign. It wasn’t a fun night in Nats Town.
Recommended Stories
There is plenty of drama in these negotiations to go with fascinating characters and subplots. How far will the Nats go above the record 2001 bonus deal set by pitcher Mark Prior ($10.5 million)? How big an offer is Strasburg prepared to walk away from? Are Boras’ notorious fallback plans — independent ball, a pro contract in Japan, a return to college — legitimate options or just bluffs?
The Nats have consistently refused to comment on the negotiations. Mike Rizzo, the team’s acting general manager, said earlier this week that there is movement behind the scenes, but wouldn’t elaborate when pressed. There is a sense among other agents in the sport that Boras — notorious for delaying negotiations until the last minute — is himself getting anxious for movement, if not resolution. Knowing no deal was likely until right before the deadline anyway, it seems Washington has intentionally put off the hardest work for this weekend.
There are huge risks for both sides. Can Strasburg really turn down a record offer between $15 and $20 million? The Nationals would get the No. 2 pick next year as compensation. They are also still on track to get the No. 1 pick for having baseball’s worst record this season. That automatically drops Strasburg to No. 3 next June. Will that same money be there? Meanwhile, the worst team in baseball again loses out on a top talent who could help soon. Everyone in the sport — agents, general manager, players, owners — is watching this saga, which will have a lasting impact. Our best guess? A deal gets done in the last 90 minutes Monday night for $21 million.
