Net Worth Ranker
What Is Stephen Strasburg Net Worth?
Stephen Strasburg, a retired professional baseball pitcher, boasts a substantial net worth of $120 million. This impressive figure is primarily derived from his lucrative baseball career, marked by significant contracts and endorsements. Strasburg’s financial success is a testament to his talent and dedication on the field.
Stephen Strasburg’s Career Earnings and Contracts
Strasburg’s career earnings reached approximately $250 million by the time he retired in August 2023. A significant portion of this sum comes from two major contracts he signed with the Washington Nationals. In May 2016, he inked a 7-year contract worth $175 million. Later, in December 2019, Strasburg secured the largest contract ever awarded to a pitcher at that time – a 7-year, $245 million deal, which guaranteed him an average annual salary of $35 million.
Despite retiring with $105 million remaining on his contract, Strasburg is expected to receive the full amount due to the nature of his retirement, which was attributed to injury. This illustrates the financial security afforded to him by his contracts, even after his active playing days concluded.
Early Life and Collegiate Career
Born on July 20, 1988, in San Diego, California, Stephen Strasburg’s journey to professional baseball began at West Hills High School in Santee. Although he faced initial challenges, his talent began to shine during his senior year, highlighted by a 12-strikeout game where he allowed only one hit. By the end of his high school career, Strasburg had earned three varsity letters and set school records in shutouts and ERA, laying the foundation for his future success.
After high school, Strasburg chose to attend San Diego State University, following in his parents’ footsteps. As a freshman with the San Diego State Aztecs baseball team, he served as a relief pitcher. By his sophomore year, Strasburg had transitioned into a full-time starting pitcher, achieving an 8-3 record with a 1.58 ERA and 134 strikeouts. His junior year saw further improvement, with a 13-1 record, a 1.32 ERA, and 195 strikeouts. These impressive statistics earned him the Dick Howser Trophy and the National Pitcher of the Year Award, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
International and Minor League Career
Before joining the professional ranks, Strasburg represented the United States on the international stage. He was a member of the United States national baseball team at the 2008 World University Baseball Championship, where he won a gold medal. Subsequently, he was selected to play for the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics, making him the only collegiate player on the team. The United States ultimately won the bronze medal, adding to Strasburg’s growing list of accomplishments.
In 2009, Strasburg began his professional career with the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League. The following season, he was assigned to the Harrisburg Senators in the Class AA Eastern League, where he posted a 1.64 ERA and 27 strikeouts. He was then promoted to the Syracuse Chiefs in the Class AAA International League. His first game with the Chiefs drew the highest attendance in the team’s history, as he pitched six scoreless innings.
Washington Nationals Career: Initial Years
Drafted first overall by the Washington Nationals, Strasburg signed a record-breaking $15.1 million, four-year contract with the team. He made his major league debut in June 2010, making an immediate impact by setting a new team strikeout record with 14. In his next two games, Strasburg set a major league record for the most strikeouts across a pitcher’s first three starts, with 32. However, his early success was hampered by a right shoulder injury, which placed him on the disabled list. After returning in August, another injury required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for 12-18 months.
Following rehabilitation, Strasburg had a strong month in April 2012, leading the National League with 34 strikeouts and posting a 1.13 ERA. In June, he became the first pitcher that year to record 100 strikeouts. In 2013, he pitched into the 8th inning for the first time and threw his first career complete game, a 6-0 shutout against the Phillies. The following season, Strasburg tied with Johnny Cueto to lead the league in strikeouts and recorded career-best starts, strikeouts, and innings pitched.
Washington Nationals Career: Later Years
The 2015 season was challenging for Strasburg, as injuries limited him to his fewest innings since 2011. However, he rebounded in 2016, signing a $175 million, seven-year contract extension with the Nationals. Strasburg achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first pitcher in over 100 years to start 12-0. He continued his success in 2017, striking out a career-high 15 batters. Later that year, he set a new franchise record for consecutive innings pitched without allowing a run, with 34.
The 2019 season marked the peak of Strasburg’s career. In April, he became the Nationals’ career leader in innings pitched. Two months later, he pitched an immaculate inning, the fourth in the team’s history. Strasburg finished the regular season leading the NL in wins and placing second in strikeouts. The Nationals advanced to the NLDS and ultimately won the World Series in six games against the Houston Astros. Strasburg’s performance, with two wins in two appearances, earned him the World Series MVP award.
The subsequent two seasons were less successful due to a series of injuries that caused him to miss most games. Despite these setbacks, Strasburg’s contributions to the Nationals and his overall career achievements cemented his legacy as one of the franchise’s most impactful players.
Personal Life
In 2010, Stephen Strasburg married Rachel Lackey, whom he met at San Diego State University. They have two daughters and reside in Washington, DC. Strasburg’s personal life remains relatively private, with limited public details available about his daily routines, hobbies, or specific personal investments.
