The Washington Nationals and Patrick Corbin agreed to a six-year, $140 Million Contract on Tuesday, league sources said.
Corbin, 29, was arguably the best free agent this offseason AFTER Clayton Kershaw agreed to renew his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier in November. And numbers show that. Last season, the 29-year-old made 246 strikeouts. He was ranked as MLB’s fourth-best pitcher, three spots behind Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
For many in the league, Corbin was destined for New York to play for his boyhood club the Yankees. New York certainly could have needed his skills but the two-time all-star opted for the highest bidder. Philadelphia was also an option for the left-hander but the Nationals were prepared to do what it takes to get Corbin’s signature.
The Nationals had the extra cash thanks to the expiry of Bryce Harper’s, Gio Gonzalez and Matt Wieters’ contracts—freeing more than $62 million in payrolls. Corbin also aided in completing the deal by allowing Washington to defer some of the money in his contract.
Elsewhere, the Atlanta Braves signed Josh Donaldson in a one-year $23 million contract. The New York Mets committed Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano to their team.
