WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- During a press conference Tuesday afternoon announcing his extension with the team, Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg said D.C. has grown on him and his family and they feel comfortable in the city.
It's one of the many reasons he signed a reported $175 million, seven-year extension with the only team for whom he's played.
This is a special day.... Rizzo on extension of Strasburg. @wusa9 @wusa9sports #Nats pic.twitter.com/VNXWfeiCs9
— Diane Roberts (@DianesTalking) May 10, 2016
The 27-year-old mentioned "there were a lot of situations in the past where they took care of me. Not just as a pitcher, but as a person."
He no doubt was referring to his innings limit in 2012 after Tommy John surgery.
While news of the extension took many by surprise, Strasburg said the deal had been set in stone for two weeks. He joked secrets are safe with him!
"[They] gave me a road map of what they wanted to do," Sports Agent Scott Boras said as he sat next to his high profile client.
That direction led to the contract extension announced Tuesday. It's worth noting, Boras normally prefers to have his players test the open market before staying with their original team.
There were lot of situations in the past where they took care of me. Not just as pitcher, but as person. @stras37 @wusa9 @wusa9sports #Nats
— Diane Roberts (@DianesTalking) May 10, 2016
President and General Manager Mike Rizzo said it was a special day when kicking off the press conference. He has to be pleased to keep Strasburg at such a bargain.
Set to be a free agent at year's end, Strasburg could have easily garnered over $200 million on the open market as the premier pitcher available.
The Nationals drafted Strasburg, a San Diego native in 2009. He mentioned how thankful he is with the opportunity to stay with one team for his whole career, like his favorite player, Tony Gwynn. The Hall of Famer played for the San Diego Padres for 20 years and then coached at San Diego State University, where he worked with a young Stephen Strasburg.
