Strasburg signs 7-year, $175 million extension

WASHINGTON — Right-hander Stephen Strasburg will be with the Nationals for the long term, agreeing to a seven-year deal that according to a source is worth $175 million. The team announced the extension on Tuesday. A news conference, which can be seen on MLB.com and nationals.com, will be held at 2:15 p.m. ET.

“Ensuring that Stephen will remain a part of our organization for years to come is a proud moment for our entire family,” managing principal owner Ted Lerner said. “We are very fond of Stephen and his entire family, and we’ve thought very highly of them since he became such an integral part of our organization almost seven years ago. We’re honored that he feels the same way about the Washington Nationals, and very happy to keep him pitching in the nation’s capital.”

News of the deal broke while Strasburg was on the mound at Nationals Park on Monday night. He pitched seven-plus innings, taking a no-decision in a 5-4 walk-off victory against the Tigers, and he declined to talk about the contract after the game.

“I’m just focusing on this game and stuff like that,” Strasburg said. “All that stuff is going to work itself out eventually. I’m really excited for the way the guys played behind me tonight, picked me up in the end.”

A source told MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi that Strasburg can opt out of the deal after the third or fourth year, which would allow Strasburg to become a free agent at age 31 or 32.

“I am delighted to ensure that Stephen is going to remain an important part of the Washington Nationals,” president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo said. “From the moment he was drafted, Stephen has been far more than just a pitcher for our organization, and his talent is transcendent; the numbers speak for themselves. …

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