The Nationals have one week to sign top pick Stephen Strasburg. Widely considered one of the best college pitching prospects ever, Strasburg is in line for a record-setting bonus. Nats acting GM Mike Rizzo will negotiate with crafty agent Scott Boras, Strasburg's representative. The Nats don't have any long-term commitments other than Ryan Zimmerman's deal and they've only committed about $28MM to their 2010 payroll so far (though that figure will rise considerably because of the team's arbitration-eligible players).
So how much should the Nats be willing to offer? $10MM? $50MM? They would receive the second overall pick in next year's draft if they fail to sign Strasburg, but a first overall pick now is worth more than a second overall pick later, at least in theory. If you're making the call for the Nats, how much would you offer Strasburg?
Thanks to Cot's Baseball Contracts for the financial details.
